PennLive’s 2025 primary voters’ guide: Cumberland County (2025)

The candidates below are in contested races in Cumberland County. Because a number of candidates have cross-filed, they are listed in alphabetical order by first name rather than in ballot order. If a race is not listed, it was not contested.

Neither non-contested races nor write-in candidates are in this guide. If a candidate is on the ballot as both a Democrat and a Republican and only one those races are is contested, only that race is listed.

Judge of the Court of Common Pleas (10-year, vote for 1)

Kathy Silcox

Ballot running on: Democrat

What is your occupation? Magisterial District Judge

What experiences qualify you to hold this office?

I have served as a judge for 12 years in a District Court. I am experienced in criminal matters, including conducting preliminary hearings and summary trials, issuing search and arrest warrants, and issuing emergency Protection From Abuse Orders. On the civil side, I hold hearings on civil and landlord/tenant disputes where I issue judgments. In addition to working with local police departments and the state police, I also work closely with the school police department in order to address issues such as truancy, vaping and minor criminal offenses.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I am the only candidate with judicial experience. I have the temperament, skills and knowledge needed to do the job appropriately. In addition to 12 years on the bench, I also served for 13 years in the Office of Attorney General prosecuting cases and 3 years in the Department of Revenue. I have lived in Cumberland County for over 25 years and I am involved in the community.

Twelve years has provided me the skill and discretion to make the tough decisions, such as setting appropriate bail in criminal matters, as well as the ability to address treatment options for those suffering from an issue, such as alcoholism.

What issues are priorities for you?

I want to continue my mission of offering people an opportunity to be heard while being fair and impartial. I want to continue to focus on reducing recidivism by connecting people to services.

Sasha Sacavage

Ballot running on: Democrat

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Attorney

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have over fifteen years of broad legal experience to bring to the courtroom as a judge. I have litigated in the Courts of Common Pleas throughout Pennsylvania on behalf of individuals and businesses and I have served as a Prosecutor on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in administrative court. I currently serve as legal counsel in the House of Representatives where I help implement public policy through drafting and analyzing legislation as well as provide advice and training to Members of the General Assembly on Ethics issues.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I am the best candidate for Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in Cumberland County because I have experience in all facets of the trial court system. I have defended businesses in liability cases, I have argued administrative law principles on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and I have prepared briefs and argued in the appellate courts. My most recent experience in the legislature gives me the unique perspective on how the law is made. I can appreciate the position of all the litigants in the variety of cases that come before the trial court, not just one side. I understand the impact that compassionate, experienced judges can have on people’s lives and I am ready to bring both expertise and empathy to the bench.

What issues are priorities for you?

The issues that are priorities to me are impartiality and fairness, efficiency in the court system, and trust in the courts. The court should maintain neutrality in all matters and court proceedings should occur without unnecessary delay to avoid a backlog of cases. As a judge I will prioritize adherence to the rule of law and reject any attempt at outside influence.

Cumberland County Prothonotary (4-year, vote for 1)

Alyssa AK Knisely Holstay

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Attorney

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? My personal and professional experiences demonstrate a dedicated work ethic and foundation of economic responsibility, and highlight my versatility, leadership skills, and dedication to impactful community service. These attributes qualify me to serve as Prothonotary and lead with integrity, empathy, and a commitment to excellence.

I have a strong work ethic, instilled in me from a young age and continuously shaped by responsibilities on our family farm and working in our (now) 3rd generation family business.

My upbringing also provided me with real-world experience in fiscal responsibility, as my ambitions and pursuit of higher education required self-funding. I worked part-time (through both college and law school) and secured merit-based scholarships and grants because of my academic performance and have since satisfied my supplemental student loans through my continued commitment to practicing law in public service-related roles. This learned financial independence and continuing practice of fiscal responsibility will have practical application when assessing budgetary issues in serving as Prothonotary.

My work-related experiences also qualify me to serve. My professional resume includes employment performing working-class tasks such as stocking shelves and loading and unloading feed bags, selling small animal and livestock feed to both individuals and large-scale farm operations, and bartending. My professional experience as an attorney representing individuals in our criminal and civil justice systems (both in the courtroom and through the filing of legal motions, memoranda, and appellate briefs) offers specialized knowledge and understanding of the laws and rules regarding civil legal filings and record keeping procedures.

My experience as the Executive Director for a nonprofit, including managing projects to satisfy community needs, strategic operational planning and development experience, and event planning, coordination, and execution experience, demonstrate my proven leadership and offer valuable skill sets that qualify me to serve.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

As a lifelong Cumberland County resident, I am deeply committed to ensuring that the office of the Prothonotary, tasked with maintaining civil legal filings directly affecting the lives of members of our community, functions efficiently and with integrity and operates within the confines of applicable law.

As an attorney, I have specialized knowledge and understanding of the law and local rules governing legal filings and records accepted and maintained by this office. My legal experience includes representing individuals in criminal, civil, and child welfare related cases, as well as serving as an Attorney and Legal Training Specialist for the nonprofit managing the Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN) Prime contract. My ability to interpret and apply the law ensures that the office will maintain accurate, compliant records, safeguarding the integrity of the civil legal process for Cumberland County residents.

In my role as the Executive Director of selflessservice, Inc., I oversee all operations, manage organizational records, and ensure fiscal responsibility by securing funding and managing budgets. These responsibilities mirror the Prothonotary’s duties as the top-level leader of the office, tasked with administrative oversight, record management, and budgetary accountability. My leadership of the organization demonstrates my ability to manage complex operations while maintaining transparency and efficiency, skills I will bring to the Prothonotary’s office to ensure it serves the public effectively.

The Prothonotary’s office manages critical civil legal filings—divorces, custody disputes, foreclosures, landlord-tenant actions, and Protection from Abuse orders — that profoundly impact residents’ lives. The management of these records demands precision and competence, and my 18 years of legal experience combined with my proven leadership and skills gained through extensive nonprofit work uniquely equip me to oversee this responsibility and serve effectively from day one. I am proud to be endorsed by the Cumberland County GOP, as this endorsement demonstrates their agreement.

What issues are priorities for you?

As Prothonotary, I strive to address identified issues related to provision of services, community relations, and budgetary constraints. My primary objectives are to streamline operations, foster robust stakeholder relationships, and uphold fiscal responsibility to better serve Cumberland County.

I will begin by assessing and optimizing internal office policies, processes, and present staff structure to boost efficiency and productivity. This involves restructuring staff assignments to align expertise with specific filing types, ensuring smoother handling of legal documents. Additionally, I will refine passport processing procedures to enhance service delivery for residents, reducing wait-times and improving accessibility.

I also aim to strengthen and expand relationships with key stakeholders, including state agencies, the Cumberland County Bar Association, and local civil law attorneys. By advocating for Cumberland County as a preferred e-filing hub for state agencies, I will elevate the office’s role in civil filings. Establishing an Attorney Advisory Committee, composed of diverse local attorneys, will facilitate ongoing dialogue to identify and resolve operational challenges, ensuring the office meets community needs. I will also deepen ties with the Bar Association, offering increased opportunities for Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits to support professional development and enhance the office’s credibility.

As Prothonotary, I will conduct a comprehensive budget review to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising service quality. By analyzing expenditures and implementing strategic reductions, I will ensure fiscal responsibility while maintaining operational excellence.

These initiatives—operational alignment, stakeholder engagement, and prudent fiscal management—will position the Prothonotary’s Office as a model of efficiency, credibility, and service, delivering meaningful benefits to Cumberland County residents.

Theresa Myers

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Former Family Nurse Practitioner

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Theresa Myers is a trustworthy, proven leader, dedicated community volunteer, innovative problem solver, and experienced nursing professional with a lifelong passion for serving others.

Theresa earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University on a National Health Service Corps scholarship, emphasizing her commitment to service and helping underserved communities. Her 25-year nursing career spanned roles across the Southeast U.S. and abroad, including working as a registered nurse in an emergency department in Panama and serving as a family nurse practitioner in rural Appalachia. Her work in healthcare required the same attention to detail, efficiency, and organizational expertise that she will bring to the Prothonotary’s Office.

After transitioning from healthcare, Theresa dedicated herself to community leadership and service. She served as the President of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for Cumberland and Perry Counties, leading transformative programs to combat stigma and improve mental health education. She also founded the Western Cumberland County Republican Club and served as its first chairperson for three years, currently acting as the treasurer. Theresa is a graduate of Leadership Cumberland.

Her commitment to the community is evident through her extensive volunteer work. She actively volunteers with organizations such as the Luhrs Performing Arts Center, the Cumberland/Perry Counties Suicide Prevention Task Force (PULSE), NAMI Cumberland and Perry, the Healthy Lifestyle Group of Shippensburg, and Cumberland County Historical Society. Theresa’s tireless efforts have consistently focused on improving the lives of those around her, ensuring strong, healthy, and vibrant communities.

Faith and family are at the core of Theresa’s values. She and her husband, Mark, have been married for 24 years and live in Upper Mifflin Township with their beloved 9-year-old apricot toy poodle, Noah. They are members of Doubling Gap Church of God, where Theresa serves on the prayer team.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Vision for Excellence for the Prothonotary’s Office

Theresa is committed to improving efficiency and accessibility by increasing e-filing usage, streamlining processes, and delivering speedy, friendly, exceptional service while using your tax dollars wisely. With her leadership, experience, and passion for service, she is ready to help make the government work for the people it serves. If possible, Theresa would like to lower the costs of e-filing and gaining access for docket review.

Theresa desires to be helpful whenever she can, wherever she can, and however she can. When elected Prothonotary, Theresa will bring this same energy, hard work ethic, and commitment to the job.

Service isn’t just a job to me. It is a calling. After decades of serving in the private sector, Theresa is running because she believes God wants her to serve the people of Cumberland County in elected office, making a government that works for the people it serves with trust and transparency.

What issues are priorities for you?

What does the Prothonotary’s Office do?

The Prothonotary’s Office is the recordkeeper for the Civil Division of the Court of Common Pleas. While the Prothonotary’s Office works alongside the court system, the Prothonotary’s duties are fundamentally administrative. The role requires someone with organizational expertise, a heart for service, and meticulous attention to detail. These are the qualities I bring to the table, and they are the qualities I’ve developed over a lifetime of service in my 25+ years nursing career and over 20+ years of community service.

The office is not permitted to give legal advice. Being a lawyer will not change the defined Prothonotary role. Neither the current Prothonotary nor his recent predecessors have had law degrees and the office has operated very well.

Other Services

The Prothonotary’s Office is where Protection From Abuse (PFAs) Petitions are filed. The office serves as an acceptance agency for the United States Department of State to process passport applications, takes passport photos, and hosts the annual naturalization ceremony in conjunction with the United States Department of Immigration.

Priorities

• Modernized Record-Keeping – Cutting red tape and improving efficiency by incentivizing the use of e-filing

• Fiscal Responsibility – Ensuring your tax dollars are used wisely

• Transparent & Accessible – Making court docket record access easier for you to navigate

Theresa Myers isn’t a politician- she’s a dedicated servant. As a nurse practitioner, community leader, and strong conservative voice, Theresa has always put people first. Cumberland County deserves a Prothonotary who is efficient, organized, and committed to serving the people - not the political establishment or special interests.

Theresa is Trusted. Experienced. Ready to Serve.

Judge for Magisterial District 09-3-04 (6-year, vote for 1)

Christine L. Line

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Lawyer

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Christine has spent twenty years serving the people of Pennsylvania, advocating for a wide range of clients and their interests. She began her legal career as a law clerk to Justice Thomas G. Saylor of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, where she gained invaluable insight into the judicial process. Following her clerkship, Christine served as Counsel to the Republican Caucus of the Professional and Occupational Licensure Committee in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. In this role, she developed a deep understanding of the legislative process, successfully negotiating with lawmakers, lobbyists, and special interest groups on issues related to professional licensure.

After her time in public service, Christine transitioned to the private sector as a civil litigator, where she built a diverse practice focusing on insurance defense, construction law, property rights, personal injury, administrative law, and claims involving the Sovereign Immunity Act. This broad range of legal experience has given her a comprehensive understanding of the law from multiple perspectives.

As the founding principal of Line Legal, LLC, Christine has gained the skills and experience necessary to provide thoughtful, fair, and effective legal counsel. She is committed to serving the community with integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. If elected to the bench, Christine will bring her extensive experience, balanced perspective, and unwavering commitment to justice to every case, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and that the law is applied impartially.

Finally, Christine has served the residents of Hampden Township for more than a decade as a member of the Zoning Hearing Board and as current Chair of the Planning Commission. The opportunity to serve the Hampden and Silver Spring Townships as Magistrate Judge would be an extension of her commitment to community service.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

As a lifelong resident of Hampden Township, I have a keen awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding our community. As Magisterial District Judge, I will strive to deliver fair adjudications of the issues that affect you, your families, and your businesses. As the only lawyer running in this election, my knowledge of the law and its application to the matters impacting our community make me the only candidate qualified to fill this role. I humbly ask you for your vote on May 20, 2025.

What issues are priorities for you?

Judicial impartiality is the cornerstone of a fair and trustworthy legal system. As Magistrate Judge, I will remain unbiased and objective, ensuring that every individual who enters the courtroom is treated equally under the law, regardless of background, status, or personal belief. By prioritizing impartiality, I will not only uphold the Constitution and legal precedent, but also reinforce public confidence in the justice system by fostering a space where everyone can expect justice to be administered fairly and without prejudice or favoritism.

George Edmondson

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? Small business owner/operator, and 15 year state constable

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am 59 years old and the father of two children, Ellyson who is 11 years old and a son George Jr. 3 1/2. I am a lifelong resident of both silver springs and hampden township, the last 55 years I have resided in Hampden. I am a 1983 graduate of Cumberland Valley High School, in 1990 I opened my automotive service center, in 1997 we added a towing division. During my years in business I attended certification courses from local colleges and vo-techs to better serve our customers.

In 2010 I was appointed as a state constable for Hampden Township and attended Act 49 training giving Hampden Township its first Act 49 state certified constable, I have also attended update training courses to maintain certification. I became a constable to give back to a community I have grown up in since a child, during this time I have worked directly for our district courts serving summary and criminal warrants, civil process and prisoner transports from various prison facilities throughout our state for hearings. I have also volunteered my time as a head midget football coach for about 6 or 7 years, I presently serve as head coach for Cumberland valley CV-1 10u girls softball.

My combination of life experience being a father, volunteering with youth groups working with children along with managing personal at my business and also serving in the capacity as a state constable and applying years of training has helped prepare me for dealing with people in tense situations while performing my duties. I am the only candidate on the ballot for magisterial district judge that has 15 years of direct working knowledge of our district court system.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I am the only candidate who has worked directly in our district court system for 15 years, those years were very beneficial in allowing me to learn the daily functions and process of the district court.

Since 2010 I have served our community as a certified Pennsylvania state constable allowing me to carry out various tasks such as summary and criminal warrants, civil process, landlord tenant along with prisoner transports and court room security. With those years of service I have worked with several judges and multiple court staffs while also working directly with our police departments.

Working in a law enforcement role as a constable along with my training and years of experience has provided me the skill to deal with thousands of cases that are sometimes highly stressful situations and achieve a successful outcome. Many of our voters are lead to believe that to be a magisterial district judge that a law degree is needed or required, the state has a certification course similar to our law enforcement certification training.

A district judge has to do far more than sit at a bench and hear cases, they must also be able to manage the operations of the office and the staff. My many years owning and operating a local small business and managing personal will make me the best candidate to make sure our district court runs smooth and efficiently. Our voters will need to decide whether they will feel better served allowing politics to once again dictate who their next judge will be, or would they rather vote for a practical and not political candidate. I will bring years of experience and put them to work for our residents while serving at a high level as I have done over the last 15 years serving our courts.

What issues are priorities for you?

The office has been plagued for close to a decade with high staff turnover along with the inability to maintain the office manager position, the combination those cost our district court their ability to handle criminal cases and hearings for almost a year at one point. The office has also struggled to maintain constables willing to work under current policies and procedures.

I will make sure the office has a quality office manager in place to lead and direct the office staff and the constables which will bring about efficiency and positive morale. The inability to attract a retain constables has allowed a large amount of active warrants to sit in the office unserved which unfairly deprives victims of restitution and allows fines and costs money to go uncollected. The state constable is essential for any district court to serve the community effectively, I will restore the crucial bond between the district court and our elected state constables, i will once again give them a high volume office and a supportive judge and staff to be happy to work for. I will begin issuing the enormous backlog of unserved warrants directly to the constables while also giving them the support and tools provided by law to diligently effectuate the warrants.

I will most importantly follow state law by making sure constables are paid for their service within 30 days. This will insure that our victims owed restitution are made whole along with our fines and costs being actively collected and processed by the court. I will also make myself available for our constables along with our police departments for after-hour warrants and search warrants.

Jeffrey Clark

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

School Director for Big Spring School District, Upper Mifflin Township (4-year, vote for 1)

Julie S. Boothe

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Ursus Fedin

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? Policy Analyst

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have dedicated much of my life to serving in many volunteering roles, and I look at this as both an extension and and expansion of that. For over two decades, I have led or participated in a number of projects between scouting and church ministries, and I intend to translate these experiences to the school board.

Professionally, I have over half a decade of policy analysis experience in education- and child-related programs that I believe would directly correlate to the role of a school board director.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Three priorities drive my campaign: supporting teachers, respecting all students, and encouraging parental involvement in the education process. I believe that these foci mandate levels of transparency, equity, and collaboration that I am uniquely well-equipped to offer. My professional experience and volunteer commitments have prepared me to smoothly transition to the board, and I am confident that I have the expertise and resources to effectively serve.

What issues are priorities for you?

Transparency remains the highest priority for me, because this quality is the root from which all other school board matters must grow. The budget and local tax rates, concerns about policy details, and even disenrollment numbers are all important issues that I intend to prioritize, but without board credibility or public trust, the directions taken for these issues fail to matter. I want to support my community by ensuring that my constituents can trust me, the whole of the board, and each decision we make together.

Carlisle Borough Council (2-year, vote for 1)

Cassandra Fourlas

Ballot running on: Democrat

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Rachel Lynn James

Ballot running on: Democrat

Contact: Website

What is your occupation? Attorney

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Since my arrival in Carlisle, I have been deeply committed to serving this community through involvement in various local organizations. My dedication is exemplified by my contributions to Project Share, the local food pantry, United Way, the Carlisle Area Democrats, and as a member of the Carlisle Pride Committee.

Currently, I am honored to serve on the Planning Commission for the Borough, where I play a role in shaping Carlisle’s future through key decisions on zoning initiatives and development proposals. This diverse range of experiences has given me a deep understanding of our community’s needs and how to address them effectively, making me a well-qualified candidate for this office.

Beyond my community involvement, my career in municipal law has allowed me to deepen my understanding of local governance and develop a unique perspective on addressing issues common to municipalities. Through my work, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with neighboring communities of similar size, gaining insights into various approaches to shared challenges.

My background in law and public policy, coupled with firsthand knowledge of local governance processes, equips me with the necessary tools to serve Carlisle effectively. As a candidate with a passion for local government and an unwavering commitment to our community, I am well-positioned to tackle the complexities of municipal leadership.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I firmly believe that effective leadership arises from serving as a conduit for the community. My involvement in political, volunteer, and personal relationships in Carlisle has enabled me to engage with a broad range of diverse stakeholders and organizations, all of whom have Carlisle’s best interests at heart.

My experience in municipal law and regulatory planning equips me with valuable insights into the opportunities and limitations currently facing our borough. By combining this professional expertise with my deep understanding of community needs, I can offer a well-rounded perspective as a member of Borough Council.

As a leader who is deeply rooted in Carlisle’s community, I am committed to translating the needs and aspirations of our residents into actionable policies and initiatives. Together, we can create a brighter future for our town.

What issues are priorities for you?

My primary focus in this campaign is ensuring that Carlisle remains affordable and accessible for all residents.

To achieve this, I will emphasize the importance of innovative solutions for affordable housing, including flexible zoning changes and the introduction of accessory dwelling units. Simultaneously, I will advocate for land use reforms that encourage smart growth and foster collaboration among community stakeholders and local businesses to benefit all community members.

In conjunction with these efforts, promoting a transit-friendly downtown Carlisle is crucial for creating a more connected and accessible community. By prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure improvements, following our sidewalk inspection and rehabilitation plans, and supporting local businesses, we can enhance the livability and vibrancy of our town. This comprehensive approach will ensure that Carlisle remains a welcoming and thriving place for everyone to call home.

In addition to affordability and accessibility, I am passionate about upholding our dedication to the Climate Action Plan. This vital initiative commits Carlisle to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with targets set at 26% by 2025 and 80% by 2050, compared to 2005 levels.

As climate change is an intersectional issue, the Climate Action Plan intersects with various aspects of community life, such as housing, transportation, and equity. My commitment to this plan aligns with my interests in these areas and reflects my dedication to creating a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for Carlisle. By ensuring that we adhere to the Climate Action Plan’s goals, we can address multiple challenges facing our community and foster a healthier, more resilient environment.

Carlisle Borough Council (4-year, vote for 2)

Ethel B Carryer

Ballot running on: Democrat

What is your occupation? Retired

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have a varied work experience from running a press in a factory to working my way up to be a Quality Engineer

I have been an active volunteer in the Carlisle community for over 40 years

8 years on the Carlisle Borough Planning Commission

Original member of Carlisle Borough Recycling Committee

Cumberland County Open Space Task Force (special project)

Former Board member of Project Share which included heading up the building committee (fund raising & planning)

Original member of the committee who raised funds to purchase the Carlisle Theater (active volunteer of the initial cleanup)

Former volunteer as a den mother, Big Brothers/sisters (Big Sister), foster parent

Current volunteer at the US Army War College

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I plan on running for one term. The 2020 US census states 24% of the population of the Carlisle Borough is over the age of 60. There is no one on the council over the age of 62. One quarter of the population are not being represented. The current council does not listen to the voices of its’ citizens. I will listen to all concerns before making a decisions.

What issues are priorities for you?

Traffic is a major issue as the area around the Borough continues to grow. There are many who do not drive the speed limit. I have suggested improvements to the council that other communities have implemented. (Speed bumps, more stop signs, rumble strips in pavement for example) No action. There is no snow plan in place. I plan to get one implemented. Streets and alleys are in terrible condition (pot holes). This needs to be resolved since this is a very common complaint from Borough residents.

Streets flood during heavy rain storms. There are low-cost strategies that can be implemented.

Mitch Shiles

Ballot running on: Democrat

Contact: Website

What is your occupation? Artist and Educator

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am currently an appointed member of borough council. In addition to being an artist, I also hold a bachelors degree in biological science from Penn State and have completed online schooling in data science. I have been a volunteer on the boroughs’ climate action committee since its inception. In 2023, I analyzed 10 years worth of PennDOT crash data to show a need for further pedestrian and cyclist safety measures. I volunteer with the Carlisle Tool library and conduct advocacy and volunteer work through Bikelisle, a transportation advocacy group I helped form with other members of the Carlisle community. Most importantly, I care about Carlisle and our ability to have a livable future despite mounting challenges.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

In addition to my experiences, I’m also the parent of a toddler, which keeps my mind on what kind of future I want to leave for him. It constantly reminds me of how hazardous the world we have built is to vulnerable people. Being an artist helps me keep an open and empathetic mind, while my experience in science has helped me see the world in a clear eyed manner. My ability to work with data allows me to gain a deeper understanding of problems facing the borough along with their potential solutions.

What issues are priorities for you?

Safe streets is the issue I am most concerned about. It shouldn’t be dangerous for a kid to ride a bicycle to school, for an elderly person to cross the street, there should be adequate space on the side walks for strollers & for wheelchairs, and walking or riding a bicycle to the grocery store or pharmacy shouldn’t be an extreme sport. Nearly half of all hospitalizations from crashes on our streets have been to pedestrians and cyclists, and Carlisle is competing with some of the largest cities in the commonwealth in the number of cyclists we send to the hospital. We know how to make our streets and sidewalks safer for vulnerable road users, it’s really a question of having the courage to do so.

Another issue that concerns me is addressing various land use injustices in our borough. We are facing a national housing crisis, in both affordability and availability, yet we have a zoning code that prioritizes massive parking lots, suburbs and single use buildings over more affordable housing options such as multifamily homes, apartments, and mixed use buildings. Addressing this problem not only solves issues with housing, but can reduce car dependence, and improve our tax base.

The final issue, I see as a priority, is gaining more community control over our energy. Carlisle along with several other boroughs has petitioned the Public Utility Commission to bulk purchase renewable energy for its residents. By aggregating residents, we can obtain cheaper, cleaner, and a more stable rate for electricity than individuals can on their own. It may also allow us to pursue local renewable projects, ensuring we have clean air, and by keeping energy projects local, we won’t drain our community of money and resources to shareholders on Wall Street.

Safronia Perry

Ballot running on: Democrat

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? Self Employed

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am currently a council member for the Borough of Carlisle. I worked in the community as an executive director for a community organization. I have built relationships with residents as well as resource organizations. I know how to work within a strategic plan. I have experience working with budgets and I understand policies. I know how to build community and connect with people.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

What makes me the best candidate is that I am about community. I care about the residents and understand the importance of every voice being heard. I know the what the work entails, but I also believe that part of the job is caring about the needs of community. We are residents as well and it’s important for our constituents to know that what affects them, affects us. I joined the Land Use Reform committee to learn more about the land and buildings in Carlisle. I wanted to understand zoning and hopefully find ways to build up our neighborhoods. I am passionate about helping people. I believe that most are already empowered. It is important that they see themselves in the decision making process.

What issues are priorities for you?

My main priority is making sure that resources and businesses are brought back to the Black community and other communities of color. Equity is important and in order to have it, businesses are in needed in the neighborhoods. If we are to be a vibrant and thriving community, we must support & help create opportunities for business owners. Also, as stated earlier, it is vital that we listen to residents in order to understand what their needs and wants are and find ways if possible to fulfill them. I am speaking with residents to find how we can better serve them.

School Director for Cumberland Valley School District, Hampden Township (4-year, vote for 2)

Asheleigh Forsburg

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Nonprofit Executive

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I believe that my leadership experience working in the nonprofit sector has taught me how to understand complex issues and be able to then relay that information to the public. I am an educator in my role as a fundraiser. I educate the public on various causes and how the work that we do as a nonprofit is affecting the community.

I have experience in the classroom as a Junior Achievement volunteer, having taught through this program since 2021. My volunteer experience in the classrooms has also been as a Room Parent, field trip chaperone and event volunteer.

Additionally, as the parent of two young CV School District students I see everyday the lessons that my daughters are taught in school. How much the staff within the District do to benefit every child and ensure that they have a high quality education.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

What makes me the best candidate is my ability to thoughtfully consider topics with an open mind. I am bringing common-sense ideas to the table and being transparent with my ideas. Many candidates hide their views because they want to earn votes. I want to be open and honest about my views because I think that’s the right thing to do, even if that means I don’t earn some peoples votes. I would rather be true to myself then earn a vote.

What issues are priorities for you?

My Three Priorities

Educational Outcomes

• Provide educators with the support and resources they need to ensure student success.

• Fund essential support services so all students have access to the tools they need to thrive.

• Expand career-readiness education to expose students to a wide variety of career paths.

• Increase opportunities for students interested in trades-based employment.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Adjust the millage rate to align with the average of other Cumberland County school districts.

• Secure additional revenue through grants and public-private partnerships.

• Collaborate with local industries to fund and support career-readiness programs.

Safety

• Ensure students feel physically safe in school facilities to create an optimal learning environment.

• Allocate more resources to address students’ mental and emotional well-being, tackling bullying and harassment effectively.

• Uphold policies that promote equity and inclusivity in our diverse school community.

Martin Carreras

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Mike O’Brien

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Website

What is your occupation? Retired USMC LtCol; Current Defense Tech/AI Startup

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Both my wife and I were born and raised here in Pennsylvania and are proud products of Pennsylvania public schools. After graduating from high school, we went to the U.S. Naval Academy. I then spent 20 years in the Marine Corps as a TOPGUN fighter pilot and finished my career as a Lieutenant Colonel and squadron commander. Upon retirement, for the first time in our lives, we had a choice of where to live. Based upon family, community, and the reputation for academic, athletic, and extracurricular excellence, we chose to live and raise our two children, Brooklyn (11) and Jadon (8), here in Cumberland Valley School District.

I am running to ensure that other families continue to make that same decision, and that Cumberland Valley School District continues to remain a beacon of educational excellence. I am running to ensure that all of our children, grandchildren, and young neighbors have the resources, curriculum, educators, education support professionals (ESPs) and administrators they need to develop into future leaders in society. I am running to ensure that they are able to learn in an environment that is safe and authentic, without exception.

The unfortunate political reality is that there is another group of candidates, some also in Hampden Township, supported by“Moms For Liberty” and “Take Back Our Schools PAC”. They use fear mongering, divisiveness, politicization, obstruction, and conspiracy theories to achieve their goal of undermining public education and giving your tax dollars to private and/or religious schools. I am a candidate who will put politics aside and focus on uniting the community behind our public schools and supporting those who pour their heart and soul into our future every single day.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

My wife and I come from families of Pennsylvania public school educators. My brother is a sixth grade math teacher, my mother retired as a high school librarian and currently fills in as a substitute, and both of my in-laws taught for over 35 years here in South Central Pennsylvania public schools. All of that said, I am a staunch supporter and defender of public education and believe that I have the background within that family of educators to know how to optimize the academic environment for the children of Cumberland Valley. Moreover, I strongly believe that my own upbringing in Cheltenham (PA) schools provided the diverse, inclusive, and authentic environment that led me to success throughout a 20-year career as a Marine Corps fighter pilot and now in the business world.

That experience and upbringing guides my priorities here as a prospective School Director and public servant. I believe public education serves to foster a heterogeneous environment that teaches children to learn together and to accept one another along the way - critical for building not only educational skills but social and emotional life skills as well. I strongly believe that public education is the most effective pathway to achieving success in life and society.

What issues are priorities for you?

1) Support the Staff: Listen to, and be an advocate for, our Cumberland Valley School District staff, educators, ESPs, and administrators. Protect them from unwarranted attacks at school board meetings and in online forums. As a school director, provide them clear guidance and leadership. Be present in the school environment, when able, and an active participant in the District community.

2) Regain Financial Health: Work with the administration to set clearly defined budget goals that lead to sustainable, long-term fiscal and employment stability. Clearly articulate budgetary goals and options for how to achieve those metrics. Effectively communicate with all stakeholder groups to provide education and encourage buy-in for the tough choices that will have to be made. These choices must not, in any case, lead to increased class sizes.

3) Leverage Relationships to Increase State Funding: The current formula for PA state adequacy gap funding is inherently unfair to Cumberland Valley, who receives the second lowest amount of overall state funding in the region. This inherently has forced the School Board to raise taxes to the maximum amount. I will lead a campaign with a bipartisan group of state lawmakers to correct the disparities posed by this formula and/or provide Cumberland Valley state funding relief that it is owed.

Sandeep K. Kakaria

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

What is your occupation? Ophthalmologist

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am an 18-year resident of Hampden Township. I am married and I have two sons who have attended all of K-12 at Cumberland Valley Public Schools.

I believe that I am qualified to become a school director because I am already the director of my own medical practice. As the owner of Kakaria Ophthalmology Cataract and Laser Center, I make complex medical and surgical decisions to provide the best possible care for my patients. I also make sure that I run my business efficiently and within budget. Having this executive experience will help me make important decisions for our school district to provide the best possible education for our students with the funding that we receive. I am a trusted figure in our community since I have treated thousands of local patients with cataract and laser surgery, as well as performed exams for glaucoma, diabetes, and macular degeneration. My patients and their families know that I care about them and that I give them personalized attention.

I also believe that I am qualified to become a school director because I am a professional student. Having gone through 26 years of education from kindergarten to fellowship training, I have the skill set to make difficult information easy and fun to learn. I know how to keep going without giving up or burning out. These are techniques that I want to share with our students so they can reach for the stars when it comes to academic, athletic, and extracurricular achievements.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I believe that I am the best candidate for the job because I have a simple campaign platform summarized by the word, HAT.

HAT stands for HEALTH, ACHIEVEMENT, and TAXES. I am advocating for Student Health, Student Achievement, and Low Taxes. These topics will be the guiding principles during my term in office.

I know that our school district is underfunded by the state and there is a large property tax burden on our residents. I also know that in recent years, we have entered a downward spiral of maximum tax increases while still going over budget. Our debt rating has worsened and we have grown closer to insolvency. At the same time, our students reading and math standardized test scores have stagnated. Many children have become inactive and less social since growing attached to their computers and cellphones.

We need to look at line items in our budget and think outside the box to fix our problems. I believe that for the amount of money we pay in taxes, we should have healthier and happier students who achieve more.

What issues are priorities for you?

If elected to the Cumberland Valley School Board, I promise to bring the following issues to a vote during my first 100 days in office:

1. Change the bus schedule so that older students, grades 6-12, start later, and younger students, grades K-5, start earlier.
2. Turn cellphones off in the schools.
3. Promote healthier options in the cafeteria.
4. Create and expand intramural sports so every student in every homeroom can play.
5. Have letter grades on report cards, instead of number grades, so students don’t have to worry about every last point in each class.
6. Change the class rank system so every student gets rewarded for hard work.
7. Change the foreign language curriculum so students gain intermediate level proficiency and pass the AP test with four years of instruction instead of six.
8. Change the science curriculum so most students can take biology in 9th grade, chemistry in 10th, and physics in 11th.
9. Make math easier to learn in elementary school instead of using complex common core techniques.
10. Examine line items in our budget so we can fund our priorities and save where necessary.

Selena Ling

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

School Director for Cumberland Valley School District, Middlesex & Monroe Townships (4-year, vote for 1)

Cathi George

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Compliance Specialist and Mental Health Counselor

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have lived in this school district for 34 years, raised 11 children in the district, and now have grandchildren in the district. Working in the Mental Health field for 30 years has taught me a lot about what children and families need. I have a Masters Degree in Educational Psychology from Temple University and a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Messiah University. I have dedicated my life to providing the best for children and I desire to help our district move forward, balancing the budget and ensuring our children receive the best education possible.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have dedicated my life to bettering the lives of children and I see this as an extension of that role. I understand that parents put a lot of trust in their schools. They expect their children to get the best education possible that our tax dollars can buy. They expect school board members to be good stewards of their hard-earned money. This is a personal investment to me. Like you, I want my grandchildren to have the best educational experience available and it’s my desire to help ensure that.

What issues are priorities for you?

Fiscal Discipline - We must ensure the efficient use of funding for the maximum impact on student success.

Quality Education - We must strive to provide the highest quality education for all students.

Accountability - We need to hold ourselves accountable for prioritizing academic achievement.

Transparency - We must ensure that information is accessible to the public.

Emily A. Rosengrant

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? Middlesex Elementary Secretary

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I currently work in the district and see firsthand what is happening in our schools — the challenges, the successes, and the growth opportunities. That perspective drives my commitment to ensuring that every decision the school board makes supports students, empowers educators, and strengthens our entire community.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I am a mom to two boys in the district and want Cumberland Valley to remain the kind of school district families want to move to. I’m deeply invested in our community and believe strong public schools are the foundation of a thriving, connected community.

I’m passionate about retaining great teachers at CV and cultivating a culture of trust between the school board, administrators, and parents. I believe in our school district and will work hard to ensure it continues to improve and reflect the values of the families it serves.

I’m ready to advocate for our children, educators, and community. I will work to ensure that all students feel safe, supported, and valued so they can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

What issues are priorities for you?

I am passionate about my children’s education and the education of all the children in our district. I want to prioritize the students’ safety, well-being, and academic success. I want them to have the necessary resources so that they can find their interests and get a well-rounded education to prepare them for their future success.

As an employee of Cumberland Valley Schools, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges facing teachers and students. Cumberland Valley School District is one of the fastest-growing school districts in Pennsylvania, and the class sizes are continuing to grow exponentially. There is an immediate need for support for our teachers as they are burning out and leaving our district. Our children are not line items or statistics; losing an interventionist or cutting time with support staff affects an entire classroom. We need to have the capability to properly address behaviors in classrooms, and not take the teacher’s time away from the students. It is imperative that we support our teachers so that they feel heard, valued, and supported. As a board member I will be dedicated to the teachers and parents by visiting the schools in order to gain an understanding of the specific needs each of our schools have.

I will advocate for responsible spending so that we can maximize our resources while minimizing the effects on taxpayers. I believe that we have a fiduciary responsibility to act in the best financial and ethical interests of the school district and the public.

I believe our community is entitled to leaders who will listen, promote transparency, have no hidden agendas, collaborate with fellow board members, administration, parents, and the public, so we can make a difference in the lives of our students and our community.

J. Dave Price

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? CEO, Leaders Established 1775 and Faculty Instructor

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? 30+ year active duty and military veteran. Colonel, Retired, United States Army. Command or Director at every available level of the Army. Previous Inspector General, Army, Carlisle Barracks and Faculty Instructor, USAWC. Previous Director, Strategic Programs, INDOPACOM, and former Commander in Space, Aviation, and Cavalry organizations. Joint Programs and Special Technical Planning Chief in Joint Functional Commands and United States Strategic Command. Education includes both a Master of Strategic Studies (MSS), and a Master of Public Administration (MPA).

Small Business and Veteran Owner, and CEO of Leaders Established 1775 (LE 1775). LE 1775 provides Faculty Instructors to hundreds / if not thousands (over the last 10 years) of strategic leaders teaching strategic leadership, operational design, and joint planning at the United States Army War College (CTR) 2015-2025. This is Senior Service College which provides an MSS to Strategic Leaders across the USA, DOD, and other intergovernmental agencies. Member of the Cumberland Valley School District with 2 children currently in the system. Member of the Cumberland Valley Community and Competitive Soccer Coach at Eagle FC covering HMMS townships. Member of the Carlisle Fish and Game. Member of the CV Appalachian Trail Club (Boundary Team) and Previous Board Member for Middlesex Township for Letort Regional Authority.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Tough times require tough people to help make tough decisions. 30+ years of leadership positions while building teams or serving others.

and managed multi-million-dollar budgets and projects; and advising senior military leadership on near billion-dollar projects and budgets.

I am also the only Middlesex and Monroe candidate recommended by the Cumberland Valley Education Association (CVEA) for an endorsement by the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) which is a community of education professionals who make a difference in the lives of students every day.

What issues are priorities for you?

Effective and efficient budget decisions while providing academic enrichment and student opportunities. Retaining strong arts, athletic, and extracurricular activities that make CVSD the best in Central PA. Working to balance the best teachers with the appropriate class size and course offerings. Getting special and intervention support systems right for our children. Providing the best and balanced safety, security, transportation, with staffing (and fair compensation), professional development along with good to great technology and innovation. Help bring CVSD back to the Gold Standard of school systems and representing the best of Cumberland Valley. Let’s get CVSD from the top 100 to one of the top 10-25 school districts in PA. We need to do this all while facing budget challenges at home, in PA DOE, and possibly in retaining federal DOE dollars.

School Director for Cumberland Valley School District, Silver Spring Township (4-year, vote for 1)

Brian Allen

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Website

What is your occupation? Professor of Pediatrics and Psychologist

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have two children currently enrolled in the CV district who are directly affected by the decisions of the school board. This is personal and I have a vested interest in the success of our schools.

I was born and raised in a small farm town and attended public schools, becoming the first member of my family to attend college. I completed my undergraduate degree at Hillsdale College, majoring in Michigan, majoring in psychology and history, before attending graduate school in clinical psychology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

I am a child-clinical psychologist, specializing in child abuse and trauma, who has spent the last 25 years treating children and their families. I also conduct research on various aspects of child development and ways to treat children. This has given me a firm grasp of child development, educational needs, the challenges faced by today’s youth, and how best to support our children. In my job, I often come into contact with teachers and school staff and have a long history working with them to better outcomes for children.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have spent my life protecting and fighting for children and my commitment to our children will be no different on the school board. In my profession, I have to work with people from every type of background. Sometimes I agree with people on the issue of discussion, and sometimes I don’t. Regardless, I am able to work with all people in an open manner, with respect, and mutual discussion. These types of qualities are essential for a school board member charged with representing all constituents and not just those within one political party or viewpoint.

With all of the turmoil surrounding our schools right now, teachers are feeling disrespected, devalued, and in some cases, under attack. Cumberland Valley is losing teachers to surrounding districts and it risks seriously compromising the educational mission of our district. I have a history of working with and defending teachers, as well as supporting their efforts to foster the academic achievement and growth of all of our students. This is one of the reasons why I was recently endorsed by the Cumberland Valley Education Association (CVEA).

It is important for a school board director to provide solutions to the problems facing our district. Listening and engaging with other board directors and community members is vital, but it is also important to actively develop and promote solutions to the problems. I have a record, both in my career and in my engagements with school board members, of providing practical solutions to our challenges. This is why I have the support of several current and former school board members from across the political spectrum.

What issues are priorities for you?

In the past several years I have seen our schools become a battleground for political agendas. The result has been a significant black eye for the CV district that has done nothing to improve the quality of our schools. My goal is to return the school board to an oversight role and return administration of the day-to-day functioning of our schools to the administrators hired by the board.

CV’s budget is a significant problem that needs to be addressed. We need an all of the above approach to addressing the budget deficit, including working with our legislators in Harrisburg, teachers, and community members. This should not be a political issue where people are looking to advance their specific cause, but a moment where we come together to address the challenge without damaging the educational quality of our schools.

Bullying remains a significant problem within our schools and one that we need to confront head-on. This includes providing our administrators with the tools needed to address the problem and directly implementing prevention efforts within our schools. We must ensure that our schools are safe and respectful of all of our students.

With the uncertainty coming out of Washington as it relates to education, it is imperative that we have a school board focused on the needs of our community and not on broader political issues. This requires protecting students with special needs, advocating for adequate funding, and protecting our teachers and staff from outside influences.

Joan Herbert

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Sherisa Nailor

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Website

What is your occupation? Educational Supervisor

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Professionally, I bring more than 18 years of experience as an educator. Working inside the classroom has given me firsthand insight into what students and teachers need to be successful. I have developed and implemented curriculum, worked collaboratively with administration, guided students in career and technical pathways, and navigated the evolving educational landscape. My experience in education has strengthened my ability to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and advocate for policies that directly impact student success. As a school board director, I will use this experience to ensure that decisions are made with an understanding of how they affect classrooms, teachers, and—most importantly—students.

I have spent my life working alongside members of this community — whether it was responding to emergency calls as a volunteer firefighter in high school, organizing PTO events to support students and teachers, or working with local businesses through the Eagle Wrestling Club to grow opportunities for student-athletes. These experiences have reinforced what I have always known — Cumberland Valley is filled with hardworking, dedicated people who care deeply about their schools and their community. I believe that all students have rights and that all taxpayers deserve to have their voices heard, even when their views do not align with my own. Strong leadership requires listening, respecting different perspectives, and finding ways to work together for the best interest of our students and schools.

In my current role as an Educational Supervisor at the Capital Area Intermediate Unit, I oversee project development and program delivery for many different enterprises. Through this team, I lead planning and collaboration in school-based mental health, STEM curriculum, business and industry partnerships, career and technical education, student competitions and leadership development. This role has allowed me to see, first-hand, the variety of supports and services provided to our schools and students, often at no cost.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Beyond my more than 17 years in the classroom, my roots in this community run deep. Operating our family dairy farm and being involved in agriculture has reinforced my belief in hard work, responsibility, and perseverance—values that translate directly into my approach to leadership. When something needs to get done on the farm, there’s no waiting for someone else to take the lead. The same is true in our schools. Instead of pointing fingers, we need leaders who are willing to roll up their sleeves, listen, and work together to create solutions.

I am a lifelong resident of Silver Spring Township and a proud graduate of Cumberland Valley High School. During my time as a student, I was actively involved in the Cumberland Valley FFA, Future Educators of America, and the bowling team. Now, as a parent, I have three daughters currently attending CV schools in grades 6, 9, and 12. Watching them navigate the same hallways I once walked has given me an even greater appreciation for the importance of maintaining strong schools that serve all students—regardless of their background, learning style, or future goals.

I am running for the Cumberland Valley School Board because I believe our students, teachers, staff and community deserve leadership that listens, collaborates, and works towards real solutions. Leadership should be built on hard work, mutual respect, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, honest communication, and transparency.

I believe that strong schools build strong communities. I am committed to bringing hard work, common sense, and a cooperative spirit to the Cumberland Valley School Board. I look forward to serving and working alongside our students, parents, teachers, administrators, staff and community members to ensure Cumberland Valley continues to be a place where every student has the opportunity to soar!

What issues are priorities for you?

As a school board member, my priorities will be:

Fiscal Responsibility – I will work with administration, the teacher’s association, and local and state leaders to develop a budget that prioritizes students while respecting taxpayers. Our budget should support every student’s opportunity to Enroll, Enlist, or be Employed after graduation—whether they choose college, the military, or the workforce.

Academic Excellence & Student Support – I will advocate for staffing levels that allow ALL students to be supported in their academic and personal growth. This includes ensuring special education programs have the resources they need, expanding career and technical education opportunities, and providing enrichment programs for advanced learners. Every student, regardless of ability or background, should have access to an education that prepares them for success.

Community & Business Collaboration – I will continue my work with local businesses and industry leaders to create opportunities for students that align with workforce needs. When students have access to real-world learning experiences—whether through internships, apprenticeships, or career-focused programs—they graduate better prepared for life beyond high school.

Smart Growth & Development – Cumberland Valley is experiencing rapid growth, and we need to work proactively, not reactively, to ensure our schools and infrastructure can keep up. I will build relationships with local township officials to ensure better coordination between school planning and community development, rather than just sharing information after decisions have already been made.

Restoring Trust & Respect – The division within our district has made it difficult to move forward. I will work alongside fellow board members to restore trust and respect across all stakeholders—community members, teachers and staff, students, and administration. It’s time to put the focus back where it belongs: on our students and their future.

School Director for East Pennsboro School District (4-year, vote for 4)

Cindi Ward

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Leah Renteria

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Michael Alsher

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Attorney (retired)

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am married with two children. We moved to East Pennsboro Township 28 years ago. My kids went to East Pennsboro schools K-12, so I am familiar with our school system. I am currently on the board of the East Pennsboro Education Foundation, which affords me close contact with the school superintendent, school board president, teachers and administrators. I was a practicing attorney for over 30 years. My professional legal experience included handling complex civil litigation cases, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, so I am well prepared to analyze the school district’s $53 million annual budget. My education and experience also helps me understand the legal framework of the public education system, which in turn will help me to vote on issues in a way that reaches the right conclusion, and avoids costly lawsuits.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I diligently attend, either in-person or online, all East Pennsboro Area School Board meetings. This helps give me an in-depth understanding of the issues currently facing the board. I also listen to the people of East Pennsboro when they come before the school board to make comments, which helps me understand the issues that are important to the public. Simply stated, the citizens of East Pennsboro want their public schools to provide a quality education in a welcoming, safe and secure environment, while also doing the utmost to avoid costly waste and inefficiencies. The combination of good schools and low taxes will draw new families to East Pennsboro and grow the tax base. I want to cooperate with the other school board directors and do what is best for the children and taxpayers of East Pennsboro in an amicable, respectful and neighborly way.

What issues are priorities for you?

I note that, according to recent statewide test results, our students’ test scores in East Pennsboro are improving, and for that I applaud the teachers and administrators of the East Pennsboro Area School District. My most important goal as a school board director is the provision of a quality, comprehensive public education to our school children, and to ensure that goal we must have a steady source of tax revenue. Most of the East Pennsboro school district’s revenue comes from local property taxes. I am thankful the current East Pennsboro school board has avoided divisive cultural issues and focused on balancing the goals of providing a quality education with keeping property taxes as low as possible. If elected I promise to continue that policy. I decry the failure of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to reform the funding mechanism for public cyber charter schools. These payments blow a hole in the EP budget to the tune of $3.5 million annually, over 7% of our budget. In addition, when compared to other states, most of the funding for public schools in Pennsylvania falls disproportionately on local property taxes. This must change to lessen the tax burden on East Pennsboro homeowners.

Pedro L. Black

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Yvette Wevodau

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Hopewell Township Supervisor (6-year, vote for 1)

Edgar Hoover

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Tyler Gamble

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Lemoyne Mayor (4-year, vote for 1)

Kasha Griva

Ballot running on: Democrat

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Michael P. Zlogar

Ballot running on: Democrat

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Lower Allen Township Commissioner (4-year, vote for 2)

Gregory Black

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? private business owner

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Being a resident of Lower Allen Township for over 50 years, I feel as though I have a good understanding of the wants and needs for fellow residents of the township. I feel my desire and ability to listen to people of all ages and backgrounds plays a huge role as well. My background in business finance operating three businesses, public safety from my years in the fire service, and Public Works as it relates to roads and parks from my 30 years in landscape contracting and 20 years in asphalt paving contracting. I have been a volunteer firefighter with Lisburn Community Fire Company for the past 15 years and have held the fire chief position for the past three years. My other volunteer work in the community includes being a foster home for dogs in search of their forever home(s). I found great joy in raising my two daughters in Lower Allen Township and continue to find joy in calling this community home.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

My open mind and ability to listen to what people say. I understand our public safety and it’s needs and areas we can improve on to provide the best care for our residents. I also have a strong will to be fiscally responsible without cutting services to the residents of Lower Allen.

What issues are priorities for you?

A few issues I hold as a priority are, keeping our township fiscally strong and safe, keeping streets and parks kept to a high level, and positive future development within the township. In keeping our township and residents of the township fiscally strong, I’d like to keep tax costs down where it’s applicable. Our parks and streets are a valued part of our community and I’d like to focus on keeping them well maintained so members of the community can enjoy them to their full potential.

Josh Nagy

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? ICU Physician Assistant

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Over the last 4 years as a Lower Allen Township Commissioner, I have worked to balance the budget while giving the residents the best quality of life. My background in public safety and as a healthcare provider gives me a unique knowledge to make smart decisions for our township’s future. More importantly my family and I call Lower Allen home. I have a vested interest in making the right decisions for today and the future because this is where we live and my children are growing up.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Over 50% of our budget is spent on public safety; by bringing 20 years of public safety knowledge to the board, I have valuable knowledge that helps make Lower Allen a leader in public safety while spending taxpayer money wisely. Serving the last 4 years has allowed me to evaluate, research, and study all of the township departments so I can have a detailed understanding of their needs and how they can best serve the residents. This dedication has led to me being elected as Vice-President of the Board. Serving another term allows me to put all of that research and evaluation into making our township even stronger.

What issues are priorities for you?

Starting in 2023 we unified our Department of Fire Rescue to give the residents the highest quality public safety protections. This took 2 years of preparation and continues to require support and investments by the township to ensure its success.

Rising costs will continue to make it difficult to achieve goals and add resources for residents. Through support as your township commissioner, we have obtained millions of dollars in grants, saving the taxpayers from unnecessary tax increases.

I also commit to keeping all township resources private. Unlike other municipalities that have sold off these resources and have witnessed the loss in control and quality (along with higher prices), Lower Allen residents deserve the high-quality services they get from our township owned resources like EMS and Sewer Management.

Rick Schin

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Retired Public School Teacher

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? • Former Lower Allen Township Commissioner for 32 years

o Past President of the board

o Past President of the former West Shore Council of

Governments

o Past Vice President of the PA State Association of

Township Commissioners

• Currently Treasurer of Lower Allen Township Authorities

o Lower Allen Sewer

o Lower Allen Storm Water

• Senior management experience in the banking field—26

years in the business

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have ACTUAL EXPERIENCE doing the job of a township commissioner IN LOWER ALLEN TOWNSHIP. Although for the last four years I have not actually sat at the commissioners’ table, I have maintained a relationship with the current board members as they have addressed certain issues before them. As a member of two township authorities, I have made decisions affecting township residents successfully. There are internal policies and procedures currently employed as a result of former commissioner boards’ actions of which I was a participant. This is an example of the experience that I bring to the township commissioner board when elected. I have been elected in eight campaigns for Township Commissioner. I can add much to the current excellent board of commissioners. I will hit the ground running when elected; I will need very little updating of events to be immediately functional. I was on the board four short years ago, so procedure and internal responsibilities are understood.

What issues are priorities for you?

I am delighted to be potentially joining a commissioner board who from my observations hold the same essential values as do I. I hold the following to be most important to a suburban community such as Lower Allen Township.

Please be guided by the following:

• Public safety is of paramount importance for living in the overall dangerous world in which we live. I have always been a champion supporter of the Lower Allen Police. Fire safety follows for safety as well. I was presented with an award by the Lisburn Fire Company four years ago celebrating my support of their service to the township. Almost 40 years ago, as Board President, I signed an order for the purchase of the very first bucket truck piece of apparatus to replace an aging “ladder truck.”

• Frugal fiscal budgeting, which Lower Allen has been noted for over the years when I was on the board, and it exists currently.

• Avoiding onerous “nuisance ordinances” which tend to create hardships for residents. Several years ago, I fought, with the help of my constituents to keep an ordinance from being proposed and passed that would have jeopardized the well-being of small business owners in the township. Without my consistent objections, the ordinance would have passed easily, without any other objections.

• Keep from leveling new taxes unless there would be no other alternative. In my past commissioner roles, I have fought against new taxes and even voted against a tax increase budget where a high salary raise was granted to the then sitting township manager.

Mechanicsburg Borough Council (4-year, vote for 4)

Bob Buhrig

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Lauren Stoner

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? School bus operator

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have lived in the borough for 37 years. I’ve raised 2 children in the borough. I’ve been involved in many community activities including Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. I am currently a girl scout leader for my 3 granddaughters’ troop.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I care about what is happening in the borough and with the residents in the borough and what is best for them.

What issues are priorities for you?

Parks and recreation are very important to me. As are helping protect the residents from unnecessary tax hikes and spending.

Mark Stoner

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Mechanic

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Former borough employee for 23 years and former borough council member for 8 years. While on council I sat on numerous committees either as liason to council or as committee leader.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have experience in this position for 8 years. I am passionate about the Borough of Mechanicsburg. I was born and raised in Mechanicsburg and have seen the borough grow and have adapted to it. I worked for the borough for 23 years. I care for the residents of the borough and will stand up for them as I have done for my whole life. I want to give the residents a voice on the council and listen to their concerns and issues and I will work with the residents and Borough to solve these issues. Also public safety is a main concern of mine and I feel the borough can do more to ensure the safety of its residents. I am the best candidate because I am very versatile in many parts of the running the borough.

What issues are priorities for you?

Better communication with the residents and listening to their issues and comments and responding to them quickly and accurately. Public safety of having the public feel safe and enjoy the feeling of feeling safe. Also the financial responsibility of the residents taxes and making sure the money is being used in a responsible way.

Randy Lee Condran

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Ron O’Neil

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Pastor

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am seeking re-election because my first term has given me valuable insight into how our municipal government works and how to serve our community effectively. I’ve had the privilege of chairing and serving on several committees, including Local Traffic Advisory (LTAC), Personnel, Public Safety, and Municipal & Community Outreach.

As the current Pastor of Care at a multi-campus church, I bring a unique perspective to public service, one that is deeply informed by the needs, hopes, and concerns of the people in our community.

Before entering ministry, I served for 28 years as the School Police Coordinator for the Mechanicsburg Area School District. That role allowed me to build trusted relationships with residents, students, and local officials.

Earlier in my career, I worked as a corporate investigator for IBM, which equipped me with strong skills in problem-solving, accountability, and communication. I would be honored to continue serving.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I believe I should be re-elected to Mechanicsburg Borough Council because I care deeply about this community and bring trusted experience to the role. I understand how to work collaboratively for real results. With 28 years in school safety and now serving as a local pastor, I’m connected to the everyday concerns of our residents. My background in corporate investigation adds a strong foundation in accountability and problem-solving. I’m committed to thoughtful growth, fiscal responsibility, and keeping Mechanicsburg a great place to live, work, and belong.

What issues are priorities for you?

A key challenge we face for Mechanicsburg is ensuring that our infrastructure and public services, especially traffic safety, keep pace with increased demand. As traffic volumes grow, we must prioritize walkability and invest in safer streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. At the same time, fiscal responsibility must guide every decision. We owe it to our residents to be wise stewards of taxpayer dollars, planning not just for today, but for a sustainable future.

If re-elected, I will continue working alongside those who believe in Mechanicsburg’s potential and want to strengthen our community through collaboration, creativity, and accountability. Together, we can shape a future that honors our rich history while meeting the needs of a vibrant and growing borough.

Mechanicsburg Mayor (4-year, vote for 1)

Jack C. Ritter

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Merchant

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have been a life long resident of Mechanicsburg and have proudly held the Office of Mayor for the past 28 years. I attended the Mercersburg Academy and Penn State University. After my schooling, I became a Captain in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. Other than mayor, one of my greatest life achievements has been hiking the entirety of the Appalachian Trail.

I am a member of the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce and remain very involved in the Joseph T. Simpson Library, the Mechanicsburg Museum, and the Mechanicsburg Fire Company. I was also a long time board member of the historic Union Church downtown. I am very knowledgable about the history of Mechanicsburg and love to share it with others. It gives me great pleasure to serve the residents of our community. I enjoy giving back to the town that has given me so much.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I have held the Office of Mayor for 28 years. I have the knowledge and experience to continue to serve. I would like to see our town continue to evolve, while also preserving our strong history. As a long time resident, I am familiar with many people of the town and their concerns. In my years as mayor, I have maintained visibility within the community, remain active with the library, and continue to perform various weddings. It has been an honor to serve Mechanicsburg all of these years.

What issues are priorities for you?

My main priority is to promote and represent our great town. I try to maintain visibility to the community and have an open door policy for ideas and/or concerns. Our town is a fantastic place to start a business or raise a family.

John Anthony

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook | X

What is your occupation? Lender / Manager

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have worked in our community for the last 9 years as Borough Councilman and am currently Vice-President and Finance and Ordinance Committee Chair. In prior years, I served 4 years on the Mechanicsburg School Board, many years on the Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce Board including as President and Jubilee Day Committee Chair, and several years on the Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership (DMP) Board including the role as President as well.

I volunteered in many borough committees including the Recreation Board and the Fire Consolidation Committee while chairing others including the Community and Economic Development Committee of Council and the Community Outreach Committee. I founded and chaired Community Day in the Park which continues to be a wonderful community event now run by the DMP.

I have been involved with the Renaissance Mechanicsburg Project from its inception as the Major Gifts Chair and served many years on the Halloween Parade Committee. I also co-created the Mechanicsburg Bucks program in support of citizens and businesses in our town who were suffering during Covid.

I am also a Rotarian and served as District Governor, a member of the Mechanicsburg Lions Club, and belong to the local Masonic Lodge, currently serving as trustee. In addition, I am a past president of my statewide mortgage trade association, involved in scouting as an Eagle Scout and as volunteer and volunteer with other organizations including Junior Achievement and on the board of Leadership Cumberland and the Mechanicsburg Community Area Foundation through TFEC.

I have led a successful mortgage lending team in various forms since the early 1990’s.My wife and I raised two wonderful children here in Mechanicsburg and are now enjoying watching them and their families flourish.

From all of this and more, I have experience within our community that will help in “Moving Forward Together”.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

In the past, the Mayor’s role in our borough has, in addition to overseeing the police force, been largely a ceremonial one. It is time, in my opinion, for a new type of leadership in the mayoral role for our town. It is time for Tomorrow’s Mayor. in addition to fulfilling the important ceremonial aspects of the role which can help our community pride, in this fast moving competitive world, we need the mayoral role to be engaged as a strong Collaborator, Enforcer and Advocate for our Borough.

When we consider how intertwined our local communities are now, more so than even 25 years ago, we need a mayor who will engage with the surrounding municipalities, work with the state and federal leadership, and involve community, business and non-profit organizations alike. The mayor would work with them to find efficiencies and establish commonalities in mission that will help everyone work together in order to move forward in achieving common goals.

Our citizens are amazing people. So many of them give of themselves in so many ways tied to their own passion. We need to foster that and fan that passion. We need a mayor to lead the way, and shine a light on our collaborative activities.

Communicating across parallels and creating opportunities for everyone to achieve more for our community and to become better for it. This is my vision. As a member of the borough council team, we have been able to make great strides to become a more modern borough while preserving our rich past and culture. If I am honored by the people of our town to become Mayor, I believe I can play a significant role in continuing to help our Borough Move Forward Together.

What issues are priorities for you?

Safety - A top priority of a Mayor is to oversee the police force. Our police are diligent, honorable, and dedicated professionals, working hard to serve and protect our community. Together the Chief and I would work to expand channels of communication with council, staff and community to further enrich relations and effectiveness. Additionally, I would form a committee on safety under the Mayor’s office that would work in conjunction with other committees of council to create programing to enhance understanding and a higher level of safety for all.

Additionally, we would talk through enhanced programing for Community Watch Programs, AED and CPR training and safety training for our children.

Communication - Effective communication is a key to any community. I would create strong lines of communication with citizens, businesses, nonprofits, service organizations, community leaders, elected officials, police, firefighters and EMS. Through these conduits, we can create better efficiencies and achieve even more.

In addition to being a primary cheerleader for our town and our new comprehensive plan, I will be creating a Mayor’s Summit Event annually where these groups will be invited to share and learn how to better service our community together.

Collaboration - Through the establishment of better communication, we will be able to better collaborate, each bringing our strengths to support others. We had a dinner a couple of years ago where we invited nonprofits to come and speak about their missions. Through an Annual Mayor’s Non-Profit Summit, we will learn, collaborate and make our community even stronger through efficiencies that will come from collaborative work.

Advocacy - As Mayor, I will be Chief Advocate for our town, externally and internally, helping foster business, revitalization and community development.

This is a critical moment in our town’s history. I am humbly asking for your vote and support in Moving Forward Together.

Mechanicsburg Tax Collector (4-year, vote for 1)

Lisa Ciecierski

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Chiropractic therapist & School crossing guard

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? My professional background includes 25 years of bookkeeping and accounting experience, allowing a deep understanding of the financial practices essential to managing municipal tax collection with accuracy and integrity.

During the 25 years of bookkeeping, I acquired in depth experience in accounts payable and receivable, billing, and profit/loss assessment. I have held a management position at Premier Eye Care Group, where I was responsible for overseeing comprehensive financial operations and maintaining fiscal accountability within a fast-paced healthcare environment.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

With a strong background in financial management and decades of professional experience, I would bring both dedication and expertise to the position.

I have been a proud resident of Mechanicsburg for the past 27 years and deeply invested in the wellbeing and efficiency of the community I call home.

I believe my extensive experience in financial management and my commitment to the Mechanicsburg community make me uniquely qualified for the role of Tax Collector.

I am dedicated to serving the borough with transparency, efficiency, and integrity.

What issues are priorities for you?

Serving the borough residents with accuracy, transparency, efficiency, and integrity while maintaining the highest standards of fiscal responsibility.

If elected, I will strive to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and ensure that tax collection services are delivered accurately and on time for all borough residents.

Richard Smith

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? Retired

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am a retired police officer with over 37 years of experience. For the past 8 years I have been certified by the IRS in the TCE Program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly. I’ve received this training through volunteering as a tax preparer for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. I’ve served as Financial Secretary for Lodges 78 and 85 of the Fraternal Order of Police and am a past Treasurer of the former Wesley United Methodist Church. I’m currently Judge of Elections for Mechanicsburg 2-2. I have a proven track record for honesty and integrity.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

As a police officer it was important for me to pay close attention to detail. When I was a shift supervisor it was my responsibility to check the daily reports for accuracy.

For the past 8 years I have been a volunteer with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. As such, I have been certified by the IRS TCE program to prepare taxes for the low-income elderly community. A very important part of this has been helping the elderly apply for PA Property Tax/Rent Rebate.

What issues are priorities for you?

The main duty of a tax collector is obvious, to collect taxes and process them accurately. There aren’t many issues I will need to deal with.

However, being fair, honest and respectful are important to me. I plan to be available to the taxpayers. I understand how important the property tax rebates are for our seniors. I want to be as helpful as possible. I want to make it easy as possible for them to get their tax receipts. I want to be a trusted resource for them and help them apply for the rebates.

This is an important issue for me. When I noticed that fewer seniors were qualifying for the rebate, I saw that the eligibility income had not been raised for many years. I advocated to have that income level increased. The increase was signed into law last year and it is now linked with inflation.

School Director for Mechanicsburg Area School District, Region 3 (4-year, vote for 1)

Daniel J.F. Lupia

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

What is your occupation? Senior Financial Analyst - Corporate Finance

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? As current treasurer and prior president of the Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership, and vice president and former treasurer of the Historic Harrisburg Association, I am deeply invested and engaged in our community. As a financial professional, I am primarily focused on budgeting and managing cash flows on a day-to-day basis. In a prior role I was focused on municipal fixed income clients, working with many school districts in Pennsylvania on their investment portfolios. This aligns well with being a member of the school board since one of the board’s primary responsibilities is crafting the annual budget — working to create the best possible educational and athletic experience for our students while ensuring proper utilization of taxpayer dollars.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

In recent years we have seen increased discussion about school boards and the need for transparency in how taxpayer money is being spent. With school funding changes continually up for debate in the legislature, there is a need for finance-based thinkers with budgeting experience. In my professional role, I am part of a team directly responsible for managing the budget of a billion-dollar company. In this role we frequently iterate, always responding and adapting based on different scenarios in worldwide markets as well as changes in funding and priorities. I look forward to bringing this experience to the school board to support their important work in annual budgeting.

What issues are priorities for you?

The school board’s overall focus should be on our students, their education, and their extracurricular offerings. As a school board member, my additional priorities include principled and balanced budgeting, and keeping extremism out of our schools.

By keeping our focus on these key areas, we can provide the best possible education for Mechanicsburg students. Our success should be measured by the opportunities afforded to our students during their K-12 experience and how well they are set up for success afterward, whether they are looking at a trade school, college or university, a military career, or directly entering the workforce.

Katie Dang

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

What is your occupation? Attorney

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? As an attorney with over 17 years of experience, I know how to look at issues from multiple sides. I am skilled at advocating for others and putting their interests ahead of my self-interest. As a lifelong educator, I’ve taught and mentored students, ranging from high school to law school. My family and I have actively contributed to the Mechanicsburg school community for 5 years through volunteer work and school organizations. As a parent of two young children in the district, I deeply understand the responsibility and stakes facing school boards.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I’m a proud mother of two Mechanicsburg Area School District students, a Army veteran, an attorney, and an educator. I’m running for school board not to serve a political agenda, but to serve our kids, our families, and our community. My diverse life experiences have shaped me into a listener, a problem-solver, and a bridge-builder—someone who believes real progress comes when we focus on what unites us.

What issues are priorities for you?

Preparing our children to be good citizens of our community and the world, ensuring safe school environment, and being a good steward of public resources.

Middlesex Township Supervisor (6-year, vote for 1)

Michael S. Hurley

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Philip Neiderer

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Physician

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am a lifelong resident of Middlesex Township and live on a 20 acre farm with my wife and two sons. My sons are the 4th generation of the Neiderer family to live in the township. As a long time resident, I am very aware of the challenges facing the township, both currently and in the future. As a physician and business owner for over 30 years, I have been able to handle significant responsibilities on a daily basis while planning for the future which makes me well suited to represent the residents and bring a much-needed fresh perspective to the board of supervisors.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

The current supervisors have been in office for at least three terms each and a combined 60 plus years! I believe that the status quo needs to be disrupted and that the inability of the current supervisors to plan for the future is damaging our beautiful township with excessive development. The township is operating under a comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance that is over 20 years old!

This is unacceptable and is indicative of the inertia of the current board. There are too many blighted properties in the township that are unsightly and unsafe and there has been no impetus to remedy the situation. The growth of the township needs to be managed by supervisors with foresight and a passion for maintaining the beauty and peacefulness of Middlesex Township.

What issues are priorities for you?

We need an updated comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance that reflect the desires of the residents and that is developed with complete transparency. We need to rid the township of blighted properties.

Steven Larson

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Middlesex Township Tax Collector (4-year, vote for 1)

Erin Havens

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website

What is your occupation? Financial Analyst

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? My qualifications for Tax Collector are rooted in a strong financial background and a deep commitment to Middlesex Township. For 20 years, I’ve worked in accounting, billing, banking, and finance, developing meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of financial processes. This experience translates directly to the accuracy and efficiency required for this role. My work ethic is unwavering, and I understand the importance of responsible fiscal management.

Beyond my professional qualifications, my family—my husband, two children, and myself—are proud residents of Middlesex Township. We’re invested in the community’s well-being because we live here. My prior participation on the Middlesex Recreation Board further demonstrates my dedication to serving our township. I understand the importance of community involvement and strive to contribute positively. My combined financial expertise and community involvement make me uniquely qualified to continue serving Middlesex Township as Tax Collector.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

What sets me apart as the best candidate for Tax Collector is my proactive approach to improving resident experience, my unwavering honesty, and my commitment to modernizing our township’s tax collection processes. In the past five years, I’ve taken the initiative to implement a comprehensive website, addressing frequently asked questions, and a secure online payment portal. These advancements have streamlined processes and made tax payments more convenient for our residents.

Looking forward, I’m committed to further enhancing our system. Within the next year, I plan to upgrade our technology to allow residents to view their amounts owed, pay online, and receive instant receipts—a level of efficiency few townships in the state currently offer. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates my dedication to making a traditionally complex process easier and more accessible.

Furthermore, I understand the importance of assisting our growing community, especially the many new residents, some from out of state, who may find our real estate tax system complex. I am dedicated to providing clear, honest, and patient guidance, ensuring everyone understands their obligations. My commitment to innovation, resident satisfaction, and transparent, helpful service makes me the ideal choice for Tax Collector.

What issues are priorities for you?

My priorities as Tax Collector center on three key areas: convenience for taxpayers, rapid access to information, and unwavering financial accuracy and transparency.

First, I prioritize making the tax payment process as convenient as possible. This includes expanding and improving our online payment options, ensuring they are user-friendly and efficient. My goal is to minimize the time and effort required for residents to fulfill their tax obligations.

Second, I am committed to providing taxpayers with quick and easy access to answers. I understand that navigating the tax system can be confusing, and residents deserve timely and accurate information. I will continue to maintain and improve our online resources, and ensure prompt and helpful responses to inquiries.

Finally, financial accuracy and transparency are paramount. I believe in maintaining meticulous records and ensuring that all financial transactions are conducted with the utmost integrity. Residents deserve to have confidence that their tax dollars are being handled responsibly and accurately. I will continue to uphold the highest standards of financial accountability.

Robin Rohrer

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Monroe Township Supervisor (6-year, vote for 1)

Doug Anderson

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Philip F. Kehoe

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Corporate Accounts Business Manager

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? 35yrs (and counting!) of leadership, advocacy, business and product development experience with several of the largest materials manufacturers in the US. Demonstrated success in working with diverse teams, directing new initiatives, developing new products and markets. Experienced leadership bringing people together to solve the most difficult challenges. Active volunteer when needed throughout our community to help others and support our children and families.

Strong (and ongoing) educational foundation; M.B.A. Penn State, Dual B.A’s. Business Adm. & Economics Lycoming College. Const. Specifications Inst. – Const. Documents Technologist, Univ. of Tenn Lean Manufacturing, PA State Assoc. of Twp Supervisors various coursework. Harsco Corp Leadership and corporate excellence, Harvard Executive program on Negotiation, various coursework on human resource management. Boy Scouts of America various training.

I have been engaged with our community since my family and I bought our home in Monroe in 2000, 25 years of volunteering, learning our history and understanding what is most important to us.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

A Twp. Supervisor is charged with the general governance of the township in order to ensure sound fiscal management and to secure the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the township. Leadership and financial responsibility is my ongoing career along with volunteer work. Another advantage I bring to our Twp. is by still working in private industry my knowledge, training and experiences are kept relevant. I don’t talk what I “will do” if I’m ever in a leadership position, I can state that I have; established strategic planning, capital budgeting, restructured debt, negotiated and executed various agreements and contracts to help our 2,500 households. Through my “servant leadership”, I tirelessly work to advocate and represent all of Monroe and its diverse neighborhoods and stewardship of our rural community.

What issues are priorities for you?

Overriding priority continues to be, whatever comes before our hometown, I will represent all of us in a fiscally responsible way to address in the best interest of our Township. Desire to continue our work on planning, budgeting, organizing and being more proactive to handle existing challenges such as our long debt and the growing cost of compliance of ever-changing State and Federal regulations, many are unfunded mandates that PA municipalities are being forced to pay.

My goal is to keep Monroe Township as one of the best places to live and raise a family.

Monroe Township Supervisor (2-year, vote for 1)

Seth Shoemaker

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? AV Designer

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? In my career as an AV Designer and Senior Systems Consultant, an industry I’ve worked in since 2012, I have experience managing large budgets, varied clients, and complex contracts while remaining fiscally responsible - even navigating our company through the difficult times of 2020. I’m also a local business owner with an entrepreneurial spirit that drives me to find solutions and lead teams effectively.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

With my work and volunteer background, I have experience managing large budgets, working with others to arrive at consensus, and listening to differing viewpoints to navigate a path forward.

What issues are priorities for you?

Issues that are a priority for me are allowing the township to grow and thrive, while maintaining the rural feel of the township, balancing that with as little governmental intrusion into personal property development as possible.

Wilbur E. Wolf, III

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Retired Military Officer, Business Owner

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have lived in Monroe Township with my wife Amy for more than 25 years. We raised our family here, worked here, and owned and operated our businesses here. We understand and value the amazing culture of our Township and we understand the issues and challenges for the Township on the road ahead. I currently serve as a Township Supervisor and Planning Commission Member.

In my nearly 62 years of life including 32 years of military service and 30 years of business experience, I have been around our country and the world and back a few times and have seen what works and what doesn’t. In those years, I have accumulated a pretty significant diversity of knowledge, skills, experience, perspectives, and perceptions. As Senior Military Officer and as a business owner, I have had the privilege to serve on, lead and/or command organizations and teams from 2 to more than 10,000.

Along the way, I have experienced outstanding leadership and teamwork as well as terrible and toxic. And, I have learned a lot from both! I have learned that my teammates and other stakeholders usually have immensely diverse knowledge, skills, experience, and perspectives, and perceptions and that to get the best decisions and outcomes, those diverse voices must have a seat at the table and influence in the decision-making process. I have learned to observe and listen more and to talk less. I have learned how to disagree without being disagreeable. I have learned the art of tactfully finding common ground and acceptable compromise. I have learned that negotiating, facilitating, and mediating may take longer and may be a lot harder, but it is also a lot more effective than unilaterally deciding and directing. And, I have learned that treating others with courtesy, dignity, and respect...especially when we disagree...is paramount.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

In 8 months as a Township Supervisor, I have had a tangible positive impact on the conduct and function of our Monroe Township leadership. My ability to listen well, to seek all facts, to understand different perspectives and perceptions, and to work professionally and courteously with my fellow Supervisors, staff, residents, and stakeholders has yielded positive outcomes.

During nearly 32 years of military duty and more than 30 years of business ownership and leadership, I have demonstrated the ability to effectively solve complex issues and problems, to achieve consistently exceptional results, and to build strong, and resilient teams. And, I have learned that regardless the organization, mission, or task at hand, leading is about people. And treating people with dignity, courtesy, and respect...especially when we disagree...is absolutely essential.

In addition to my diverse leadership experience and people skills, my general approach to information gathering and decision-making, especially for complex and/or contentious issues, enables me to work with others to achieve the best outcomes for the residents of Monroe Township. My structured approach yields consistently positive results.

• Is it legal/does it comply with all applicable rules, regulations, codes, laws, etc.?

• Is it the right things to do/does it “fit” with the character of our Township?

• Who does it benefit? Is it an equally distributed and general public benefit? Or, is it a narrow benefit to one or only a few people and/or special interests?

• Does it negatively impact or harm any (one, some, a few, many) of our fellow residents?

• What is the immediate and/or long-term cost to the Township?

• What are the secondary, tertiary, and beyond impacts or consequences?

• Finally, in consideration of all of the above, is it in the best short and long-term interest of the majority of the township residents?

What issues are priorities for you?

As a Supervisor, I will ensure that I equally and fairly represent every resident. I will strive to effectively lead us through the inevitable challenges and changes in the months and years ahead. And, I will work diligently to maintain the amazingly great culture in Monroe Township and to ensure the well-being of community and all of our residents now and long into the future. To do so, these are my personal and operational priorities as a Supervisor:

• To fulfill my civic duty and contribute positively and equally to the well-being of my family, friends, neighbors, and all fellow residents in the Township now and long into the future

• To protect and strongly defend individual property owner/resident rights while also ensuring that the rights of neighbors and other Township residents are not infringed

• To ensure good stewardship of our fiscal, natural, and other resources in the Township

• To ensure that Supervisor and Township actions and decisions serve the general best interest of the majority of residents

• To treat my fellow supervisors, all Township staff, volunteers and teammates, and all of our residents and other stakeholders with respect and dignity

• To try to set an example of elected leadership character and conduct that we desire to also see in our County, Commonwealth, and Nation

New Cumberland Borough Council (4-year, vote for 4)

David Wilson

Ballot running on: Democrat

Contact: Website| Facebook

What is your occupation? Self Employed: Wood Burned Art and Supplies

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Before owning my own business, I worked as an control systems engineer mainly helping municipalities automate their water treatment facilities. That experience gave me project management skills working with people and their budgets to achieve large goals for the public good. It also included a lot of work reading bids and contracts to make sure the work provided would be to the specifications designed. These skills will help me to understand and select from different proposals and options facing our borough.

As a very small business owner, I have also experienced the struggle of balancing big goals with small budgets. We have found innovative solutions to our problems while trying to sustainably grow our income, and that creativity and willingness to try something new will help me to increase our borough’s quality of life without overburdening our citizen’s bank accounts.

Finally, I am a lifelong learner, and while I am not college trained in urban planning, I have been consuming as much information about it as I can to prepare myself. If there is something I am unprepared for, I promise to educate myself thoroughly to make the best decisions for our town.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

It has been said that the key to wisdom is knowing that you don’t know everything. I know that my own experiences are limited and only by working together with our community can we achieve prosperity for all. Running New Cumberland Borough is not a one-person show, nor should it be. I will work to build consensus among our board and our citizens about how to bring renewed vitality to New Cumberland without losing the things that makes it great.

Additionally, I am passionate about improving our world. My wife and I are constantly increasing our garden, not just because it is beautiful, but because of the life it brings to our home. At the scale of one house, we are improving the world. I can’t grow a garden that will change the national or even state politics, but I can run for borough council, and if elected I will work to grow our town so that it is safe, prosperous, and full of life for everyone.

What issues are priorities for you?

At the forefront of my concern is improving New Cumberland as a place. By focusing on traffic calming, walkability, and even tree planting, we can improve the way people live, work, and play in our town. It has been shown that streets with more people on foot are safer and feel better than streets which prioritize cars. I want to start small and improve a few intersections and blocks first with pedestrian bump outs, raised crosswalks, and urban shade trees as a proof of concept. I believe that after experiencing these changes our citizens will welcome such future improvements throughout our town.

Second, I will prioritize helping reduce our cost of living wherever we can. One specific area is our trash rate. We all experienced a huge increase in this cost recently, and I will work to find new solutions to prevent further increases and reduce rates. Beyond our trash rates, the shade trees and traffic calming I mentioned above will also help reduce maintenance costs for our streets which are one of the most expensive things municipalities pay for.

Finally, it is a priority for me to encourage more engagement with the decision making process for our town. I want to have single issue discussion meetings without the formal process of a council meeting to allow people’s voices to be heard and new ideas to be offered. We have a wealth of different experiences and skills in our community, and I want to see us come together to improve New Cumberland for everyone.

Fred Miles

Ballot running on: Democrat

What is your occupation? Retired

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am currently serving on Council and am retired from a 40-year career in architecture/planning/communications with an emphasis of building healthy communities. I grew up in New Cumberland, attending NCMS and Cedar Cliff and have taken leadership roles within the community, including The Iron Bridge Music Festival, and within my church and other organizations.

I have also served on the New Cumberland Planning Commission since 2010, which gives me a unique opportunity to advise and inform council as we strategize on how to implement major development plans like the Downtown Revitalization Plan and the recent Parks, Open Space and Active Transportation Plan.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

New vison. New attitude. New Cumberland

Four years ago, to improve the livability our community, I ran on a platform of updating the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan, a vital document that, although not a legal document, contains the vision of the community’s future growth and development. It should guide the community’s decisions so they are consistent with the community’s overall vision. This had not been done since 1994. The Borough is now close to completing a comprehensive plan that is much more thorough than the one it replaces. It will be updated every few years to reflect changing priorities and areas of interest. This document reinforces our downtown revitalization plans, parks and open space plans and promotes improving walking and biking within the Borough.

In an effort to improve communications with residents, we now have a monthly eNewsletter. It is in addition to a quarterly printed newsletter. This has the potential to push out important and useful info to residents in a more-timely manner.

What issues are priorities for you?

Planners and policy makers always talk about creating a “healthy community” where residents have access to affordable housing, public safety, transportation options (including walking and biking), a vibrant downtown and a healthy environment. That is my goal for New Cumberland. We have a very walkable community with a well-defined downtown and a wide mix of housing options. We have beautiful parks, open spaces and natural features that should be maximized to promote wellness for the residents.

I want the residents to have a strong sense of community and pride of place by emphasizing neighborhoods and neighborhood organizations.

And I want to continue to improve the two-way communication between the residents and the Borough government.

Gennifer Richie

Ballot running on: Democrat

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Mary Baker

Ballot running on: Democrat

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Executive Director (Non-Profit)

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I am a long-time citizen of the borough of New Cumberland. I participate and volunteer in local organizations such as the Olde Towne Association and the Friends of the New Cumberland Library to help support our great community and its invaluable resources. I work as an independent consultant from my home office and currently provide services as the Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Biosolids Association (MABA). Previously, I worked with several statewide member associations. In addition, I am a violist and composer, active in the string ensemble Sempre Dolce, and I instruct private lessons on violin and viola.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

As a long-time resident of New Cumberland, and active member in several community-based organizations, I am deeply invested in our borough. I will serve the New Cumberland community as a council member with a tenacious focus on integrity, productivity, responsiveness and follow through. As a member of council, I will work to defend, develop and promote the amazing aspects and opportunities of the community.

What issues are priorities for you?

Transparency

Openness and transparency in local government are crucial to operating a good and just government. The New Cumberland borough residents and business owners are best served with complete transparency and regular communications from the borough office and council: to provide important information for council meetings, projects, and events, as well as budget matters.

Connection

An engaged and connected New Cumberland borough council will create a platform to give community members an opportunity to be heard. Residents of all ages and backgrounds are entitled to the chance to share their perspective with the borough office and council. With an inclusive approach, councilors can develop ways to meet people where they are, and ensure they know their voice(s) is welcome.Sustainability

The health of the economy and the community are paramount to the current and future success of the New Cumberland borough. Along with fiscally sound budget practices, the council needs to pursue options and opportunities for economically and environmentally sustainable practices in waste management and wastewater handlings as well as yard waste recycling. Additionally, a consistent effort to locate and apply for grant funding is key to future sustainability for the borough.

Robert Hasemeier

Ballot running on: Democrat

What is your occupation? Civil/ Environmental engineer

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Have worked for 3 levels of government and consultant on many municipal projects over my 50-year career. Thise experiences have taught me about leadership, budget management, goal setting, consensus and public outreach. The importance of short- and long-term planning must be stressed to provide the blueprint for effective decisions. Built out communities such as New Cumberland provide unique challenges as growth comes from re-defining the community.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

50 years career experience working with municipalities and authorities gives me some excellent skill sets. Most of the revenue comes from either property taxes or earned income taxes. Understanding this funding can be used to then create priorities on how to get the best value for the citizens. By this, I am saying that the basic services are crucial, but there is always discretionary spending, and that funding can be used to achieve long term goals that support a vibrant community desirable for persons to live in.

What issues are priorities for you?

The PA Code allows boroughs to share in any service that it is allowed to perform. I believe that the long-term financial viability of any built-out municipality depends upon working with our neighbors to determine what services we can share to be more cost effective in providing those services. Can we jointly own a half million-dollar industrial vacuum truck to clean out storm sewers since this is not a full-time asset use? How about sharing a police detective that is needed, but neither us nor a neighbor has on staff? Trying to do everything ourselves is costly and some resources are not required on a full-time basis

Newburg Borough Council (4-year, vote for 2)

Barry Robert Starliper

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Francis Ray Moore, II

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Tina Johns

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Newville Borough Council, North Ward (4-year, vote for 1)

Joseph Arnold

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Vicki Witter

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

School Director for Shippensburg Area School District, District A (4-year, vote for 1)

Drew Alosi

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Steph Eberly

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Distribution Manager

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? My experiences both on the Shippensburg Area School Board and as a non-traditional student at Shippensburg University uniquely qualify me to continue serving in this role. During my time on the board, I have played a key role in upgrading our educational and athletic facilities, reducing classroom sizes, and advocating for student success. These efforts have improved the learning environment for all students.

Additionally, I am dual majoring in Business Management and Supply Chain Management with a concentration in Logistics at Shippensburg University. This academic background gives me a strong foundation in strategic planning, resource management, and data-driven decision-making, which are essential skills for effectively governing and overseeing district operations.

As a mom with a student currently finishing her junior year in the district, as well as a grandmother to children entering the district, I have skin in the game. I care deeply about the education our students are receiving, and my personal connection to the district drives my commitment to ensuring its continued success. Furthermore, as the second female nominated as Board President in the district’s history and the longest-serving female president, I have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to our community. My combination of board experience, leadership, and academic training equips me to make informed, thoughtful decisions that benefit our district.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I’m the best candidate because I am tried and proven. I have a strong track record of getting results for the Shippensburg Area School District. I am also a strong communicator and very responsive, always making sure to listen and act on the concerns of our community. My leadership and commitment make me the right choice for the job.

What issues are priorities for you?

My top priorities continue to be addressing the increased enrollment and ensuring that all students have equity in education and the same opportunities to succeed. It’s essential that we continue to invest in resources and programs that provide every student with the support they need to thrive. Additionally, I will work closely with our local legislators, including our State Representative and Senator, to address the rising costs of cyber charter schools and other unfunded mandates, which place a significant financial burden on our local taxpayers.

Silver Spring Township Supervisor (6-year, vote for 2)

Atreia Sindiri

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Technology Lead, Businessman, Realtor

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Proven Leader. Strategic Thinker. Community Advocate. Ready to Serve.

My experience qualifies me to serve as a Silver Spring Township Supervisor. It is rooted in a lifetime of community service, professional leadership, and a strategic vision for long-term growth and stability.

I hold an engineering degree and a student at the Wharton School of UPenn.

For over 28 years, I have built a successful career in the IT sector, holding leadership roles at globally recognized firms such as Deloitte, KPMG, Softtek, and CapGemini. Today, I lead Human Capital Management Systems at Abercrombie & Fitch and am also a licensed realtor. My business experience spans both corporate and small business environments, including owning and operating a food franchise where I managed budgeting, operations, and team leadership.

My story is a local one. As a proud member of the Indian American community, I found the American Dream right here in Silver Spring Township — where my family has lived, thrived, and given back for over 25 years.

I currently serve on the Cumberland Valley School Board, advocating for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and initiatives that benefit all families in our district.

Beyond my professional path, I’ve spent over two decades building and supporting local nonprofit organizations. I founded the Harrisburg Telugu Association, Harrisburg Sai Seva Samithi, and the Indian Organization of Pennsylvania. I also served as the founding president of the Pennsylvania United Cricket Association and on the board of HARI Temple. I also served for 20 years with Asian Indian Americans of Central PA. My service has focused on cultural preservation, youth engagement, and humanitarian outreach.

As a Township Supervisor, I will bring practical experience, engineering discipline, strategic insight, and a long-term vision for a thriving Silver Spring Township. I’m ready to go to work on day one — for all of us.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

What distinguishes me as the ideal candidate for Silver Spring Township Supervisor is my ability to align vision with action — and to unify diverse experiences for the benefit of the community.

I have spent nearly three decades navigating complex business environments, from leading enterprise technology initiatives at global firms to managing a small business here in Pennsylvania. This experience has provided me not only with strategic insight but also with a deep understanding of how policy decisions impact individuals on the ground — families, workers, and small business owners alike.

In public service, I’ve demonstrated my ability to listen, lead, and deliver. As a current member of the Cumberland Valley School Board, I’ve collaborated closely with community members, parents, and administrators to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars while advocating for educational excellence and accountability.

However, the core of my candidacy centers on service. Throughout the past 25 years, I have established enduring connections in Silver Spring Township through cultural, humanitarian, and youth development initiatives. I have led and supported nonprofits that address real needs — fostering community, encouraging volunteerism, and assisting families in thriving. I recognize how crucial it is for every resident to feel seen, heard, and represented within their local government.

Silver Spring Township is experiencing growth, and with that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. I offer a strategic mindset, a steady and proven leadership style, and a commitment to ensuring long-term stability and intelligent development.

This election is about the future, and I’m ready to get to work on day one to help create a stronger, more connected township for everyone.

What issues are priorities for you?

As a Silver Spring Township Supervisor, my top priorities will be fiscal responsibility, smart development, transparency, and improving the quality of life for our residents.

I will diligently protect taxpayers and maintain stability in property taxes, allowing families to retain more of their hard-earned money. Every dollar spent must reflect thoughtful planning, accountability, and a tangible benefit to our community.

One of the most urgent issues we face is uncontrolled warehouse development. While growth is essential, it must be thoughtful and strategic. We need to preserve our green spaces, protect the character of our neighborhoods, and ensure our parks remain where families can relax, children can play, and nature can thrive.

Public safety is a cornerstone of a strong community. I will advocate for the men and women who serve and protect us — our police officers, firefighters, and emergency responders — to ensure they have the resources, staffing, and training necessary to keep us safe.

Transparency and open communication with residents will be a guiding principle in my leadership. People deserve to know how decisions are made and to have a voice in shaping the future of their township.

Most importantly, I am dedicated to being a voice for our families, advocating for responsible growth, community involvement, and long-term stability. By collaborating, we can enhance Silver Spring Township as a place to live, work, and raise a family — both now and for future generations.

Donald A. Sokoloski

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Facilities Project Manager

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have lived and worked in Silver Spring Township for over 30 years where Kim and I raised our family so I’ve seen first-hand what this community has to offer. Our children graduated from the Cumberland Valley School District.

I am a former Silver Spring Township Supervisor where I was committed to fiscal responsibility, government transparency, our police officers and our first responders. My career has always been about building – building up people and building up Silver Spring Township. For the past 4 decades, I’ve served in a management position within the construction industry. Today I am a facilities project manager at West Shore Home.

What makes me uniquely qualified for Supervisor is my commitment to balancing development, full understanding of the impacts of development, and knowledge on our infrastructure. It is important that we clearly define residential areas and ensure warehouses are not built in the areas where people live.

It is also important that we improve our Roads so our residents have better commuting experiences as many of our roads have not kept pace with development. I call Silver Spring Township home and I’m committed to making this a great community for our families, children and the future of this amazing township we call home.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I am the best candidate for Silver Spring Township Supervisor because I share the same values that people of this community hold. I believe in fiscal responsibility and defending taxpayers hard earned money. I want to protect our green space and ensure we include commonsense development. As a Silver Spring Township Supervisor, I will work to protect our community and protect our quality of life. I will stand by my decisions and always put the best interest of our community and families first.

What issues are priorities for you?

This issues that are a top priority for me are first and foremost defending our taxpayers by keeping taxes low, fiscal responsibility by the township, defending our seniors and local businesses, who are the backbone of this community, and providing resources to police and first responders to keep our community safe.

As a resident of Silver Spring Township for over 30 years, I chose to live and raise my family here – having two children who graduated from the Cumberland Valley School District. We need to work closely and in cooperation with our neighboring communities and school district. Keeping this community thriving for years to come is something that I hold close to my heart for our children, grandchildren, and our future.

I have a record of working for our families, balancing budgets, and I will show commitment to commonsense development with an emphasis on improving infrastructure. I will address these concerns by working to relieve traffic congestion and support economic development in the right places.

Laura Brown

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Homemaker

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? 5+ years as Township Supervisor, former Chair of the Land Preservation Review Board, former Judge of Elections. BA in Political Science from Penn State University.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I dedicated myself as a full-time Supervisor, always accessible to residents and responsive to their questions and concerns. I remain independent, with no ties to developers, realty groups, or special interests.

I have been a diehard advocate for preserving farmland and woodlands in the community, whenever possible, leading efforts to secure the preservation of over 820 acres of farmland, woodland, and open space, with an additional 670 acres in progress.

I kept my promise to be fiscally responsible. The Township had no tax increases, eliminated debt, and had a budget surplus every year I was in office.

I consistently prioritized critical infrastructure upgrades and safety enhancements, advocated for the growth and development of our township’s parks, and spearheaded the creation of the Agricultural Advisory Committee to give farmers a voice in our government.

What issues are priorities for you?

My priority is to protect the character of our township by supporting responsible development, while preserving the natural beauty and vital resources of our farmland and woodlands. I want to see development remain in areas already zoned for it to prevent further sprawl and protect our rural landscape.

My other priorities include building on our strong record of fiscal responsibility, advancing critical infrastructure upgrades, and enhancing safety throughout our communities.

I want our Township to be a model for a safe, vibrant community—one that balances a thriving business district, welcoming residential neighborhoods, and a preserved rural character.

Mark Potteiger

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Retired

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I’m a lifelong resident of Silver Spring Township for over 60 years. I was a successful, local business owner for over 27 years. I have vast experience in management, administration, budgeting, construction, operations, customer service and compliance.

Last year, I helped organize and lead the No Trade Center opposition group to a proposed 1.2 million sq. ft. mega-warehouse that would have impacted over 30 residential neighborhoods in Silver Spring Township.

The coordinated efforts of No Trade Center, which included hiring legal counsel and engineering experts, led to a well-attended public hearing at the Cumberland Valley High School. Ultimately, the Board of Supervisors sided with the residents and voted unanimously to deny the project.

I’m continuing to lead the residents’ intervention in the developer’s land use appeal.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

As a highly-qualified and proven leader, I will help to make Silver Spring Township a better community for ALL residents. I want to protect our quality of life to ensure this community remains a great place to live, to work and to raise a family for all future generations.

I have no ties to any developers or special interest groups—and stand firmly against quid pro quo politics.

I promise to make informed decisions that are in the best interests of the residents and the township.

What issues are priorities for you?

1. Transparency and public engagementTransparency promotes trust — and a proactive approach to transparency will save valuable time and resources that can be refocused to other projects. The township’s website should be more user-friendly. Information needs to be organized, accessible and searchable. Encourage more public participation and engagement. All public meetings should be video recorded and posted online for viewing.
2. Proactive strategy to manage new development. New development must be in alignment with the township’s comprehensive plan and existing ordinances. No more changes that only benefit developers—and no spot zoning! Residents’ voices and concerns shall be given fair and equal consideration in discussions. Support the township’s land preservation program.
3. Health, safety and welfare of the community. Ensure our police, fire and EMS have the necessary funding to enhance public safety. Make improvements to local infrastructure: township roadways, parks and recreational spaces. Provide support for local businesses, community partners and non-profit organizations.
4. Fiscal discipline and stewardship. Run the township like a business using sound policies, procedures and common-sense. Adhere to established accounting principles and proper financial reporting. Recognize that revenue sources are limited.
5. Measurable accountabilityEstablish a clear vision, mission and values for the township. Always make informed decisions that are in the best interest of the residents and the township. The Board of Supervisors shall be a model for good governance.

Sam Herbert

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Silver Spring Township Tax Collector (4-year, vote for 1)

Joanne Herbert

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Robert S. Seader

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Production Planning Manager

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? *Qualified Tax Collector Certification

*35 years business leadership- including accounting, collections, and customer service

*MBA, University of Texas

*BS-Commerce, Rider University

*Township Supervisor, Silver Spring Twp

Iam seeking the Republican nomination in this Primary ballot and there are no Democratic candidates, so I would be honored to serve role as well if you will please write-in my name.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

*18+ year resident, homeowner, voter and taxpayer of Silver Spring Township.

*35+ years’ business leadership experience in manufacturing, distribution, accounting, and customer satisfaction.

*45+ years of economic study and fiscally conservative decision making.

*Multiple volunteer youth and SSTwp committee positions culminating with Township Supervisor.

What issues are priorities for you?

The Tax Collector is responsible for ensuring the local and County governments and schools receive the funding necessary to deliver the excellence that makes our area the desirable place it is to live and raise our families.

I’m happy to offer my seasoned experience, educational and career achievements, determination, tenacity, and demonstrated integrity- in support of this lifestyle we enjoy!

I’m asking for your trust and confidence to put me in that position to safeguard your investment in our community and make certain everyone does their part as well.

South Middleton Township Supervisor (6-year, vote for 2)

Deborah Stahl

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Ronald P. Hamilton

Ballot running on: Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Shelly L. Capozzi

Ballot running on: Republican

What is your occupation? Township Supervisor

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Presently, I am the chair of the Board of Supervisors and the chair of the Agricultural Security Area Advisory Committee, for South Middleton Township. Public service has been a large part of my life for 17 years, as I have served as School Board President for South Middleton School District as well as several terms on the Township Zoning Hearing Board. My experience on other community boards includes: Domestic Violence of Cumberland and Perry Counties, Maranatha, and Cumberland County Commission for Women. I have earned a Doctorate from Penn State and I have taught over 10 years in the public school system. I have also lived in South Middleton for over 20 years and raised a family here.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

As a South Middleton Township Supervisor for the last six years, I have proven a continuance of smart fiscal policies without raising taxes in 2025. I meet with our local legislators to obtain grant funds to preserve our parks and community projects and to sustain our historical structures around our beautiful lake.

While I have served as Township Supervisor we have received $1.3 million in grant monies to renovate the Fair Oaks property into a Community Center. We have procured grant money for a new boat launch, and parking improvements. In addition, we have utilized grants for new tennis and pickle ball courts, and an extension of a walking trail to connect Spring Meadows Park to the Letort Trail. Grants have also allowed us to make pedestrian and traffic safety improvements in Boiling Springs. Knowledge of road taxes and gas taxes is vital for us to monetarily support our road maintenance, bridge repairs, and transportation projects.

The merger of The South Middleton Township Water Authority with the township has proven to be effective, productive, and less of a burden on our tax payers. Additionally, I serve on the Emergency Services Committee for the township in order to keep up with the needs of our Fire and Ambulance services for our residents of South Middleton Township. Working with the South Middleton School District is an important part of community partnership and I am the liaison between the township and the school district.

What issues are priorities for you?

Our waste management system has become an ongoing complaint for our township residents and we are working on getting additional bids for a better contract. My plan is to continue working with our legislators for grants and to increase our revenue for the airport. The township purchased Carlisle Airport and it continues to be profitable while we house the emergency services of Life Lion in our community. We have future plans to develop the airport further and implement our vision. I plan to continue working towards a balanced budget, saving tax payers money, and not raising taxes again. I remain dedicated to keeping our township safe, our parks beautifully maintained, and fighting for our fair share of funding to better serve our residents of South Middleton Township.

Upper Allen Township Commissioner (4-year, vote for 2)

Jason Saposnek

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Bakery Manager

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? 15-year resident, 7-year Park & Rec Board member. With 30 years in retail management and 6 years running our family bakery, I bring strong leadership, budgeting, problem-solving, and communication skills to serve our community effectively.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I’m not a politician, I’m your neighbor, your child’s coach, the friendly face at the bakery, and an active member of our township. I’m running to give everyone a voice, bring common-sense leadership, and make decisions that reflect our whole community.

What issues are priorities for you?

We are concerned about development. I’ll work to inform residents about land sale alternatives and increase transparency in decision-making processes. I’m committed to getting more people involved in local government and ensuring fair representation for the entire township, not one neighborhood or party.

Jim Cochran

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook

What is your occupation? Retired, VP Operations WellSpan Health

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? 35 years of progressive management experience in the healthcare space.

4 years president of the American Association of Healthcare Administration Management

20 years serving on the Upper Allen Township Board of Commissioners

14 years serving on the MASD Board of School Directors

MBA from Shippensburg University

BS in Management from Shippensburg College

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I believe my qualifications to hold this office are rooted in a blend of long-term community engagement and relevant professional experience. As a resident of Upper Allen Township for 49 years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of our community’s values, challenges, and aspirations. This isn’t just where I live; it’s where I’ve built my life and raised my family.

Professionally, my background in healthcare financial management has equipped me with the practical skills necessary for effective governance. My experience at WellSpan Health, where I was responsible for the operations of a $10 million subsidiary with more than 100 employees, provides a solid foundation for managing the responsibilities of this office.

Furthermore, my active participation as a Upper Allen Township Commissioner for 20 years, a MASD School Board member for 14 years and a board member of Mechanicsburg Area Meals on Wheels for 3 years has allowed me to work directly with residents on issues important to our township. This hands-on involvement has reinforced the importance of collaboration and responsiveness in serving our community.

Ultimately, my commitment stems from a genuine desire to contribute to the continued well-being of Upper Allen Township. I believe my understanding of our community, coupled with my professional skills and dedication to open, honest communication, makes me the best qualified candidate to serve our residents effectively.

What issues are priorities for you?

In a community of 24,000 residents, it’s crucial that our Township Commissioners reflect the diverse voices of our entire township. We shouldn’t have all five commissioners from a single precinct or neighborhood. The election of two of my opponents could make single precinct government a reality in Upper Allen Township. I want to ensure balanced representation and a voice for all of Upper Allen Township.

Currently our two Democratic Commissioners have a wish list of preservation projects that would cost our taxpayers millions of dollars. No other municipality in Cumberland County has undertaken similar projects with public funds, instead they have turned to private organizations and money to do these tasks. If re-elected I promise to continue to fight against the spending of taxpayer money to carry out these pet projects.

Lastly, I want to see the township continue to enhance our public parks to the benefit of all our citizens regardless of where they live or their personal challenges. The township is currently in the process of revitalizing Grantham Park and Pond and has started the initial work on Generations Park. Both of these parks offered features not found in any other township park and I am committed to seeing them developed.

Marjorie A. Taylor

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? Visual Artist/Financial Services Marketing

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? I have lived in Upper Allen Township for 14 years and raised three daughters in Mechanicsburg schools. In addition to being a professional artist, I have assisted in marketing our family’s financial services and retirement planning company. These experiences have shaped my perspective on a community’s needs and how best to listen and find effective solutions.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

People say I am a good listener, level-headed, and a problem solver. I believe it’s essential to find common ground with people with different points of view.

What issues are priorities for you?

Preserving the natural beauty and character of our township is a top priority for me. I believe in responsible fiscal management, and I recognize that strategic land preservation can help control taxation by reducing the demand for municipal services. I support planned economic development that balances growth with conservation, and I advocate for protecting our township’s historical heritage. Transparency is essential, and I am dedicated to ensuring that residents are informed whenever township decisions impact them. My approach will be issue-focused and bipartisan, asking the right questions and seeking expert guidance to make the best decisions for our community.

I also want to express my strong support for my running mate, M. Judy Bailey, on the Republican primary ticket. Judy is a dedicated advocate for transparency and a resident-first approach to local government. With extensive experience in conservation, land use, grants, and municipal planning, she brings a wealth of knowledge, integrity, and a strong bipartisan, issue-focused perspective.

Martha Judy Bailey

Ballot running on: Republican

Contact: Facebook

What is your occupation? Retired Nurse Anesthetist

What experiences qualify you to hold this office? Although my family has been part of this township since 1962, I’ve also lived and worked in communities across the U.S. and Europe—experiences that deepened my appreciation for thoughtful community development. I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of planning can erase history and beauty. In our own township, we’re losing historic markers and scenic views to unchecked warehouse and housing developments. Enough is enough. It’s time to balance progress, beauty, and services through responsible planning and effective ordinances. Save it before they pave it.

My dedication to community service started young, as a Girl Scout and member of a conservation work crew. I’ve volunteered for local theater, led trash cleanups, and for 40 years, I’ve been active in my professional association, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists. For the past six years, I’ve served on the Cumberland Valley Rails-to-Trails Council, representing the group at municipal meetings and coordinating the 2024 Fall Festival. It was such a fun community event.

Professionally, I managed an anesthesia department with 43 anesthesiologists, 20 nurse anesthetists, and 16 aides. I’m known for being resourceful to a fault—I work through problems carefully, then call in experts and invite their critique. I don’t give up on projects. Ever.

People say I’m approachable, resourceful, a good listener, and a practical problem solver. I care deeply about this township—its past, present, and future—and I’m ready to bring both heart and experience to the role of township supervisor.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

I’m the kind of person who works well with others—and genuinely enjoys it. I like hearing different opinions because they challenge my thinking and help me see new angles. I believe that good decisions come from diverse voices and shared effort.

As a conservationist and communicator, I bring skills that are especially needed right now. Our township has forgotten about many of the resources available to us—grant opportunities, community partnerships, and the quiet but busy neighborhoods that don’t always speak up but deserve to be heard. I want to help bring those voices and opportunities back into the conversation.

I also see business as an underused resource in our township. I know how to collaborate with local business owners to support both economic growth and community values.

I bring energy, organization, and follow-through. I’m a list-maker who keeps track of details so nothing gets lost in the shuffle. And most of all, I love being part of a team that divides the work and gets things done. That kind of shared momentum is fun for me—and it’s the kind of leadership that keeps a township running well.

I’m not running to be in charge. I’m running to be part of a functional, forward-looking team that listens. I have a running mate, my trusted friend Marjorie Taylor.

What issues are priorities for you?

Smart, Fair Use of Taxes

Our tax millage has increased eleven-fold in the last twenty years. We are looking a building parks and maintaining alot of infrastructure. That’s not sustainable. I support responsible budgeting and careful spending that respects residents and ensures our township can maintain services without overburdening families. My property taxes are my largest expense, I want to be able to stay in my home in my retirement years.

Land Preservation—Now, Not Later

I believe the time is now to help landowners understand their options beyond selling to developers. The county and local conservation groups offer strong preservation programs, but many residents don’t know they exist. I want the township to actively share these options so we can preserve our open space, not just pave it.

Communication With Residents

I love the new video coverage of meetings—it’s a great step. But let’s go further. Our website could be more user-friendly, and I’d like to see tools like “Request Tracker,” a system that keeps resident concerns from falling through the cracks. I also commit to personally visit residents I see are affected by issues on the agenda—sometimes a simple note or knock on the door can make all the difference.

Building Community Through Events

We have beautiful parks—let’s use them! I want to support community events that create lasting memories and foster connections right here, close to home.

Multimodal Transportation and Trails

I see trails connecting our neighborhoods, parks, and businesses — giving people safe, healthy ways to walk or bike and strengthening mental health, mobility, and community bonds. Neighborliness grows when we’re out of our cars and moving together. Building trails will require conservative spending.

School Director for West Shore School District, Region 2 (4-year, vote for 1)

Kelly Brent

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

This candidate has not completed the 2025 primary election voters’ guide.

Teri Mickle

Ballot running on: Democrat and Republican

Contact: Website | Facebook | Facebook

What is your occupation? Director of Articulation

What experiences qualify you to hold this office?

With 20 years of experience in education, I bring a deep understanding of how systems and policies impact students, families and teachers. As the Director of Articulation at Harrisburg University, I work to create affordable, accessible pathways for students to earn a four-year degree. This role requires strategic planning, collaboration with other education professionals and partners, and a strong grasp of budgeting and student support services, all of which would be relevant to the responsibilities of a school board director.

Previously, I’ve served in Admissions and Records and Registration roles that sharpened my ability to analyze policy, support academic transitions and advocate for student needs across the institution. These experiences deepened my commitment to equitable access, data-driven decision making, and the role of strong leadership in educational outcomes.

I’m also the mother of three students in the district and the spouse of a coach, giving me a well-rounded perspective as a parent, volunteer, and engaged community member. I am a proud product of public schools and continue to advocate for them as a Public Education Champion with Education Voters of Pennsylvania. As the parent of children with ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is for schools to meet the diverse learning needs with compassion and adequate resources.

These professional, civic and personal experiences have prepared me to serve responsibly and effectively, with the students always at the center. I am committed to placing student success and community impact at the heart of every decision.

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

What sets me apart as the best candidate for school board director is the my experience in education, coupled with a strong personal commitment to public education and community engagement. I have 20 years of experience in higher education, including my current role where I lead initiatives to provide access to affordable academic pathways. This position involves strategic thinking, collaboration and understanding of policy and budget issues, all of which are skills directly applicable to governance of a public school district.

In addition to my professional expertise, I am an active member of the district community. I’m the mother of three West Shore School District students, a PTO volunteer, and the wife of a coach. I’m very familiar with how decisions at the district level affect the daily life of students, teachers and families. As a proud advocate and recognized as a Public Education Champion by Education Voters of Pennsylvania, I focus on what is best for students and the long term health of our schools.

I’ve navigated educational systems as a professional and as a parent of children with learning differences, so I have deep empathy for diverse learning needs. I am committed to ensuring our district provides equitable opportunities, support for teachers and parents, and responsible financial budgeting.

I don’t bring a political agenda. Instead, I bring a proven track record of leadership, collaboration and a student-focused mindset.

What issues are priorities for you?

As candidate for the West Shore School District school board, my priorities are focused on student success, educational equity, and community engagement. I strongly support expanding access to all-day kindergarten, recognizing the value of laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

I am committed to retaining and empowering our teachers and staff by ensuring they have the resources, professional development and support they need to connect with learners. I advocate for our schools to meet the diverse learning needs of our students with compassion, support, and resources, including robust mental health services that are critical to student well-being and academic success.

Equitable and adequate state funding is essential, and I support cyber-charter reform to protect local district resources and will continue to advocate on behalf of the school district with our elected officials. We also have to address our aging infrastructure to offer our students a safe, functional learning environment. All of this requires responsible and transparent budgeting that makes students the priority.

Finally, I believe in authentic, meaningful community engagement, where we create partnerships that not only inform school district decisions, but also help students grow into thoughtful and active members of their community.